It’s that time of year again when brackets are busted, Cinderella stories happen, and basketball fans everywhere are glued to the television for the madness of March. The NCAA basketball tournament is full of buzzer-beaters, heartbreak, and jaw-dropping comebacks. And oddly enough, for many of us living with bleeding disorders,…

Last weekend was a testament to the importance of community support for those who struggle with bleeding disorders. As the vice president of Sangre de Oro, the New Mexico chapter of the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF), I’ve witnessed the challenges our organization has faced over the years.

When my youngest son, Caeleb, was born over 19 years ago, my wife and I found out that he had hemophilia before leaving the hospital. Devastated, we could not begin to tell anyone how we felt about the diagnosis. I remembered our struggles raising my oldest son, Julian, now…

Beyond medical complexities, bleeding disorders illuminate inspiring stories of resilience, courage, and community strength. When we openly share our experiences, we educate others, combat stigma, and promote inclusion. Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month in March is an essential opportunity to highlight the realities faced by those living with hemophilia,…

“OK, son. It’s time to get out of bed and face the day.” “But Dad, my leg hurts really bad. I don’t think I can go to school today.” Many days when my youngest son, Caeleb, was in high school, he and I began our day with my boy admitting…

“It looks like a murder scene every time.” “I place multiple towels under me and make sure they’re a dark color.” “I gave up on towels and turned to doggie pee pads, which protect my bed better!” I’ve heard countless women share such quotes and more when we gather at…

March is Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month (BDAM), and patients, caregivers, advocates, and supporters are working together to call attention to and provide resources for coping with the bleeding disorders estimated to affect more than 3 million people in the U.S. Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and…

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…

Last night, I had very little left in the tank. The past few weeks have brought unique challenges and responsibilities that left me weary. As I started thinking about my column for this week, I realized how much time I’ve spent writing about when my children were small. But what…

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with getting three vaccines at once. Not everyone will have the same response to treatment.   I consider myself quite adept at managing my bleeding disorders, von Willebrand disease and hemophilia B. Decades of experience have taught me how to…