Hemophilia 24/7
— Cazandra Campos-MacDonald

Share: I use a handicapped placard for my youngest son, Caeleb, who has hemophilia and deals with complications from the clotting factor used to treat his illness, which causes him to have pain. Caeleb, 15, participates in his school’s marching band and…

Share: Hospitalizations are disruptive. When someone has to go the hospital, day-to-day routines take a back seat. Being at the hospital becomes the top priority and life must move around the illness. But when a patient and family experience constant hospitalizations,…

Share: Factor and supplies used to take over my kitchen. Boxes of syringes, Betadine swabs, dressing kits, monthly Sharps containers, and box upon box of factor arrived and needed to be organized and put away. The number of items was…

Share: Is it starting again? Is hemophilia about to take over my world? For more than seven years, my family has enjoyed life with hemophilia in the background. My youngest son, Caeleb, is 15 and has severe hemophilia A with an inhibitor.

Share: My family was involved in a car accident. An afternoon to the movies turned into phone calls to the police, 911, and the insurance company. Left behind by a reckless driver, I am grateful that two witnesses came forward. Having never…

Share: My youngest son, Caeleb, is a sophomore in high school. Being with his marching band “people” makes him very happy. Caeleb plays the trumpet, but he also plays the synthesizer in the percussion pit (which performs from the sideline) during…

Share: Every family member has a role. Parents usually assume the roles of providers and nurturers, making sure their children have a roof over their heads, food to eat, and plenty of love. Siblings each bring their unique personalities to the home.

Share: I enjoy Sunday mornings. As a United Methodist pastor, I lead worship and love on my congregation. However, one of my favorite parts of the morning is my commute. My youngest son, Caeleb, comes with me to church. He is…

Share: I have carried a pocket calendar since my junior high school years. I recently came across an old calendar from 10th grade. Pictures of playful puppies were on the cover, and ticket stubs were tucked inside the sleeve. I was overwhelmed…

Share: Sometimes, conversations lead me to reveal that my boys have hemophilia. It is usually a harmless conversation without any agenda. However, I am not always sure how to reply when someone tells me how sorry they are to hear that…

Share: Spiral notebooks, pencils, glue sticks, and highlighters make my heart happy. These items signal the beginning of the school year. I have fond memories of buying new pencil boxes and the perfect backpacks for my sons. I always look forward to…

Share: As a parent, it is my responsibility to help my sons become productive, compassionate, caring individuals. My oldest son, Julian, is 25 and working to complete his college degree. He is on the cusp of transitioning to a new phase…