The bleeding disorders community can relate to March Madness

It’s that time of year again when brackets are busted, Cinderella stories happen, and basketball fans everywhere are glued to the television for the madness of March. The NCAA basketball tournament is full of buzzer-beaters, heartbreak, and jaw-dropping comebacks. And oddly enough, for many of us living with bleeding disorders, it all feels strangely familiar.

This year, I filled out my bracket with optimism, placing my hopes in the Wisconsin Badgers. Their heartbreaking 91–89 loss last Saturday to the BYU Cougars not only busted my bracket but also reminded me just how unpredictable life can be, whether you’re on the court or managing a chronic condition.

Just like March Madness, bleeding disorders are full of unpredictability. You think you have things under control — your week is planned, your factor is stocked, your to-do list is finally reasonable — and then, boom, an unexpected bleed hits, a treatment is delayed, or a provider doesn’t take your symptoms seriously. Plans unravel, and suddenly you’re scrambling to recover your footing, just like a top-seeded team down by 10 with two minutes left.

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Strategy and preparation

But it’s not all chaos. Strategy matters. Preparation matters. Teams study their opponents and build game plans. Those of us with bleeding disorders do the same. We learn to navigate insurance hurdles, track symptoms, manage stress, and advocate for ourselves in emergency rooms. We know when to ice, when to infuse, and when to call in our specialists. It’s a different kind of playbook, but it takes just as much discipline.

And then there’s the mental game. Athletes talk about focus, resilience, and grit, which I get; living with a chronic condition requires all three. I remember one weekend not long ago when I was scheduled to attend a major women’s bleeding disorders conference. Everything was lined up perfectly — except my body. The night before my flight, I had an unexpected bleed that left me swollen, sore, and furious. I debated canceling the trip, but I’d already committed to going. I’d planned for it. I’d prepared. And most importantly, I knew my treatment protocol and had support waiting on the other side.

I ended up going anyway, but it wasn’t easy. I limped through airports and missed some sessions. But I also met women who understood exactly what I was going through — women who’ve faced similar last-minute curveballs and powered through anyway. That weekend, I found my team.

Team support

Here’s the truth: No one wins a game alone — not in basketball, and not in life with a bleeding disorder. We all need a team, whether it’s a hematologist who listens, a nurse who fights for prior authorizations, a friend who drives us to the ER, or an online community that just gets it.

So, this March, while others are tracking college scores and crossing fingers for their bracket picks, I’ll be thinking about our own version of madness: the daily grind of managing a rare condition with invisible symptoms, ongoing risk, and often, invisible strength. And like any great underdog story, we keep showing up. We keep finding ways to win, even when the odds are stacked against us.

Because every small victory — a bleed caught early, a successful infusion, a provider who finally listens — is worth celebrating. Maybe even with a little Champagne and confetti!

Note: Hemophilia News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Hemophilia News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to hemophilia.