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…
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
Say it with me: Disability is not a bad word
When people talk about hemophilia, some deliberately avoid calling it a disability. Instead, they’ll say “a medical condition” or “a health challenge,” as if disability were a negative label. Some who embrace the…
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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…
My Husband Is Strong Because of Hemophilia
A sealed jar that no one can open. A faucet attachment that’s been screwed on too tightly. A piece of furniture that needs to be moved. These are just some of the problems we…
Without the Darkness, We Wouldn’t See the Light
In Chinese philosophy, the concepts of yin and yang represent two opposing forces that come together in synergy to complement each other and create a perfect balance. Their symbols are interconnected black and…
My Husband Chose a Simple Birthday Celebration
My husband, Jared, recently celebrated his birthday. Hooray for 29 years of fighting and surviving! He opted for a low-key celebration at home with me, our daughter, Cittie, and her nanny. Because it was…
Leaving, Grieving, and New Beginnings
After three months of living in a rented condo, my family is moving to a full-size house. My husband, Jared, and I want to think of this event as our Christmas and New…
