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…
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
Going back to basics and finding strength on the floor
My husband, Jared, doesn’t need a gym anymore, or dumbbells, or fancy machines. These days, all he needs is the floor, a bit of space, and his body. He still loves the gym and…
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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…
Caregiver Partners Need Support and Recognition, Too
I’m standing in line at a convenience store after my appointment at the salon. It’s almost lunchtime and my stomach is grumbling, as I left our condo without having eaten breakfast. My husband, Jared,…
How to Help Someone Who Is Chronically Ill
Helping others is nice. On the most basic level, helping another person can trigger positive emotions. It also creates a sense of belonging and enables one to connect with their community. And from…
Achieving Goals Can Provide Meaning and Fulfillment
Many young people enter adulthood with dreams and goals in mind. The burning desire to attain these goals drives them to carry on through hardships and challenges. But for people with chronic illness, achieving…
Money Doesn’t Buy Happiness, but It Can Provide Options
“Money can buy happiness.” My younger self would have refused to buy into that idea. I would have retorted with a long list of nonmaterial things that gave me pleasure. After all, Jessie…
My Husband and I Are Walking for Our Health
As I slowly approach the big three-zero (two more years to go!), I can’t help but reflect on the state of my health. Physical symptoms scare me now more than ever, and I want…
Advocating for Someone Means Accepting Their Imperfections
Advocacy is a beautiful thing. Many people find it fulfilling because it’s a way to show kindness to others while championing something close to one’s own heart. But advocacy isn’t always easy.
Learning Lessons When It’s Too Late
Mistakes can be costly. The damage of a single mistake can cost a few dollars or an entire livelihood. In an ideal world, we’d learn our lessons before we had the chance to…
