My Husband Turns to Gardening to Improve His Mental Health
My husband, Jared, and I have maintained a small garden on our balcony ever since we moved into our new home. We started out with just a few potted herbs, and as time went…
HemoWife — Alliah Czarielle
Alliah Czarielle, or Cza, is a writer, entrepreneur, and digital marketer based in Marikina, Philippines. She is married to Jared, who has severe hemophilia B and a seizure disorder. They have a young daughter and two other “babies” — a dog and a cat. Cza herself is diagnosed with ADHD and bipolar II disorder. This allows her to offer a unique perspective on navigating various aspects of young adult life (e.g. relationships, career, and parenting) with chronic health conditions. In her free time, she enjoys collecting fountain pens, supporting small businesses, traveling across the country, and exploring local cafes. She continues to blog like most 90s kids did in the Internet’s early years, sharing her thoughts and interesting discoveries on her personal website, czaofalltrades.com.
Featured Post
What do people with hemophilia actually need?
When someone we love is diagnosed with a chronic illness, our instincts often compel us to search for solutions: stricter routines, healthier diets, more discipline, or the willpower to push through. While self-help culture…
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A Good Pair of Shoes Is Important to My Husband With Hemophilia
Recently, my husband, Jared, and I stumbled upon a local shoemakers’ trade bazaar at the city hall. We just moved to a new home in a brand-new city at the start of the…
Looking at Environmental Protection Through the Lens of Disability
Climate change has been a hot topic in our circles lately. We feel it very much in the Philippines, where hot summers in the months of April and May have quickly turned into a…
My Money Advice for a Young Couple With Chronic Illnesses
Managing money is an essential skill every couple must learn. From the moment they decide to live together, and especially after they decide to walk down the aisle, the health of their finances…
Living a ‘Demi-normal’ Life With Chronic Illnesses
“Demi-normal.” It’s a term I’ve coined to describe how my husband, Jared, and I both live with chronic illness. Most people are familiar with the prefix “demi-,” meaning “halfway,” “almost but not…
Dentist Appointments Can Be Problematic for Those With Hemophilia
Last week, my husband, Jared, and I booked a visit to our trusted dentist. We hadn’t had our regular teeth cleaning for over a year because of pandemic restrictions. Alarmed by the amount of…
These Are the Kind of Friends We Need
Meaningful connections with other people are of incredible value to people with chronic illnesses. My husband, Jared, and I can both attest to this, as he lives with severe hemophilia B and…
Women’s Day Reminded Me of the Importance of Equality
Tuesday morning, March 8. Bright rays of sun had already passed through our floor-length bedroom windows, but my sleep-deprived brain was fighting to keep my eyes shut for a few more minutes. The day…
My New Diagnosis Tightens the Bond I Have With My Husband
I recently started seeing a psychiatrist again to confirm the state of my mental health. Though I haven’t been experiencing any serious symptoms lately, I thought it might be good to stay on track…
Stepping Out of the Echo Chamber Is Crucial for Advocacy
It’s election season here in the Philippines, and two presidential candidates, both with large bases of support, are going head-to-head. In light of this, I came across a social media post reminding people to get…
What My Husband Means When He Says, ‘It’s Nothing’
“It’s nothing.” That phrase is often associated with women. Many have argued that women tend to obscure their feelings to avoid hurting other people, especially their partners. As a woman and a…
Reflections on Pain After an Odd Jaw Bleed
It happened after a month of celebrations. First, it was Christmas and New Year’s. Then, it was my husband Jared’s birthday. Five days later, our daughter, Cittie, turned 3. Plus, we had just…
