Last weekend, our daughter graduated from kindergarten. As she proudly crossed the stage, I found myself reflecting on how far we’ve come — not just in terms of our child’s academics, but as a family living with hemophilia. As she received her diploma and later danced through musical numbers…
HemoWife — Allyx Formalejo
Allyx Formalejo, 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.
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I’ve written before about not seeing myself as a caregiver in the traditional sense. For us caregivers, hemophilia doesn’t usually demand round-the-clock care. My husband, Jared, manages his condition independently. He infuses. He monitors his body. He makes decisions about risk and rest. My role on most days is…
Sometimes I hear other women joke about their husbands being their “extra child,” and I can’t help but nod in understanding. Living with Jared, who has severe hemophilia B and a seizure disorder, means I occasionally slip into caregiver mode with him, too. But here’s what might surprise you:…
Life had been running smoothly for a while. No major bleeds, no medical scares — just the comforting rhythm of our daily routine. But as life with hemophilia goes, that peace was bound to be interrupted at some point. It came this time in the form of a…
Life when you’re married to someone with severe hemophilia B often feels unpredictable. One moment, everything seems fine, and the next, a spontaneous bleed or unexpected health concern throws everything into chaos. Over the years, I’ve learned to stay on high alert, always ready to shift gears at a…
I made it to the Manila Pen Show here in the Philippines, and I couldn’t be happier! There’s something deeply satisfying about being in a space filled with fellow enthusiasts, surrounded by exquisite writing instruments and vibrant bottles of ink. For me, collecting fountain pens is more than just a…
I’ve been a fan of collecting fountain pens since I was a teenager. As a writer, I’ve always believed that having the right tools — pens that glide effortlessly, inks that flow just right — makes the writing process more enjoyable. And for me, fountain pens have been…
While cleaning up recently, I found a physician-authored exercise guide from 2002 for Filipinos with hemophilia. It was fascinating to read, especially knowing that at the time, synthetic factor products were still scarce here in the Philippines. Treatment options were limited, and many people with hemophilia still relied…
There’s a saying that’s been on my mind a lot lately: “Action is the antidote to anxiety.” It resonates deeply, especially in our household, where uncertainty is part of daily life. My husband, Jared, has severe hemophilia B and epilepsy — two conditions that bring unique challenges. Together, they…
Recently, our microwave broke beyond repair, and it made me realize how much we rely on certain appliances to make life easier. In a household where hemophilia is a part of daily life, convenience isn’t just about comfort. It’s about minimizing physical strain and reducing risks. Many household chores…
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 positive thinking movement even argue that people with hemophilia shouldn’t see it as a disability, pushing…
An unfortunate incident recently made waves on social media here in the Philippines, where I live, when a restaurant chain posted a dismissive, sarcastic message about fake disability IDs. The poster questioned whether 30% of its customers were truly disabled and mocked those with invisible disabilities. It also reduced…
Commuting in a crowded metropolis can be a daunting experience. Many cities around the world struggle with inadequate public transportation infrastructure, poor urban planning, and heavily congested roads. In places like metropolitan Manila, where we live in the Philippines, navigating public transportation can feel like a game of survival.
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