An Overwhelming Turn of Events Brings Fear for My Son’s Future
The last time my youngest son spent the night in a hospital due to a breakthrough bleeding episode was in February 2014. As years passed, his health continued to improve, and life…
In the Twinkling of an Eye
— Joe MacDonald
Rev. Dr. Joe K. MacDonald is a pastor in the New Mexico Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. He and his wife, Cazandra, live in Belen, New Mexico, along with their youngest son, Caeleb, and two fur babies, Laggie and Hildie. Both of Joe’s sons (the oldest is Julian) have severe hemophilia A, factor VIII deficiency. Julian was diagnosed in 1996 and Caeleb in 2006. Joe serves on the Board of the Sangre de Oro Chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation. Joe’s goal is to help his sons and others in the community use their voices to help improve the quality of life for those with bleeding disorders.
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Hard lessons in the leap to a more independent life
Many of my recent columns have focused on my youngest son, Caeleb, and his transition into adulthood. I’ve shared how we’ve empowered him to live his best life, including lessons on taking responsibility for…
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Preparing My Son to Make an Important Healthcare Decision
In two months, my oldest son turns 25. After the initial shock that he is reaching a milestone birthday, I realized that next year proves crucial in terms of insurance. I currently cover him…
In Times of Struggle, I Remember That Hope Is More Than a 4-letter Word
As a caregiver, hope exists in practically my every waking thought. I wish for things to improve regarding my loved ones’ treatment. Hope keeps me going so that I may provide the best care…
Spring Has Often Been a Time of New Beginnings in Our Family
This time of year reminds me of hope and the promise of new beginnings. In the spring of 2014, when my son “MacDonald the Younger” was 8, his life drastically changed. Along with our…
Easter Is a Reminder That We Must Face Darkness Before Light
I cannot believe that Easter is a few days away. I keep asking myself, “Didn’t we celebrate New Year’s Day yesterday?” One of the common themes interwoven into the fabric of what Christians call…
Both Science and Religion Guide Me When Answering, ‘Why Me, Dad?’
Although my sons, now 15 and 24, are different as night and day, they both began asking questions about hemophilia at about age 5. I tackled the tough issues they wrestled with, always acknowledging…
Removing the Medical Cabinet From Our Kitchen Inspires Hope
I faced my old friend, the medical supplies boxes, still not believing the task ahead of me. I almost spoke to the six boxes stacked on top of one another. “I am sorry,” I…
CRISPR Gene Therapy Gives Me Hope for a Future Without Hemophilia
On Sunday mornings in my home, I usually watch “CBS Sunday Morning,” hosted by Jane Pauley. Last week, an interview caught my eye. The segment featured Dr. Jennifer Doudna, who won the…
I’m Grateful for My Son’s First Pediatrician, Dr. Connelly
Back in Texas in good ol’ 1996, when my first son came into the world, a nice, well put-together doctor entered our room. He introduced himself as Dr. Connelly, the pediatrician on call.
Honoring Those Who Went Before Us
At every annual event sponsored by the National Hemophilia Foundation, a particular room is dedicated to remembering those who died from complications of hemophilia. In the 1980s and early ’90s, many people lost…
My Family’s Angel Has Left a Mark on Our Hearts
When my first son was 6 months old, we experienced our initial reception into the world of hemophilia. Until that point, his bleeding disorder had not reared its ugly head. This was his first…
To Move From Hopelessness to Joy, I Had to Be Honest With Myself
In past columns, I wrote about moments of absolute hopelessness — no more prevalent than the times when hemophilia reared its ugly head in my sons’ lives. There were many instances when…
