‘Never give up, never surrender’: A mantra for living with hemophilia
Inspired by a comedy spoof, I found the words to face my sons' struggles
One of my favorite movies is “Galaxy Quest,” a comedy that parodies and pays homage to science fiction films and TV. In it, the cast members of a cult series much like “Star Trek” are drawn into an interstellar conflict by real aliens who think the series is a documentary.
Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, and Alan Rickman lead the cast of down-on-their-luck actors signing autographs at science fiction conventions as they go on to victory and, eventually, a rebirth of their show. In each episode, Capt. Taggart (Allen) rallied the crew to “Never give up, never surrender.”
That mantra is one that people with hemophilia or other bleeding disorders must hold close. Living with a bleeding disorder means constantly facing challenges and uncertainties, and the resilience and determination to “never give up, never surrender” is crucial in navigating these daily battles.
2 sons with hemophilia
I was constantly afraid in the early days of raising my oldest son, Julian. With his diagnosis of severe hemophilia A, I didn’t know what to expect. I was afraid I wouldn’t recognize a bleed or know if he were in pain. Could I get to the hospital quickly so he could have an infusion? Did I know enough to help my son? Would I surrender to this disorder and let it control my life as well as my son’s?
I soon learned that despite a severe bleeding disorder, life goes on. If I lived in fear, I’d do a disservice to Julian and keep him from experiencing the joys of being a little boy. Once I accepted this reality, my anxiety subsided.
That’s when I adopted the mantra of Capt. Taggart. I would never give up caring for my son. And I’d never surrender to hemophilia.
Every time Julian faced a new challenge, whether it was a bleed, an inhibitor, or the emotional toll of his chronic condition, I reminded myself to stay strong. By embodying the spirit of Capt. Taggart, I could face each obstacle with determination and hope. I watched Julian grow and thrive, pursuing his passions and dreams, and I knew that my resolve to “never give up, never surrender” played a part in his success.
My determination to not let hemophilia control my life was tested with my second son, Caeleb, who also has the bleeding disorder. His journey, filled with numerous complications from an inhibitor, was more complex than Julian’s. It sometimes brought me to my knees, and I surrendered often.
Fortunately, Capt. Taggart’s words inspired me to stand up and take control.
Now, as I continue to support Julian and Caeleb through their individual journeys with hemophilia, the mantra remains a powerful reminder. It embodies the strength and perseverance required to navigate the complexities of life with a bleeding disorder. It also serves as a testament to our family’s resilience, proving that with unwavering determination, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way.
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.
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