In honor of Bleeding Disorder Awareness Month, celebrated in March, CVS Health is donating more than $260,000 to national and local hemophilia and bleeding disorder programs across the United States. Although there’s no exact number of how many people are now living…

I have carried a pocket calendar since my junior high school years. I recently came across an old calendar from 10th grade. Pictures of playful puppies were on the cover, and ticket stubs were tucked inside the sleeve. I was overwhelmed by memories of my younger days and the happiness…

This past week my adult son, Julian, made a decision that I didn’t like. I wanted badly to tell him how I felt and that his choice may not be in his best interest. I don’t think it’s essential to mention what he did as much as my reaction to…

One Thanksgiving season, nothing seemed to go right. Both of my sons suffered in completely different ways. “MacDonald the Older” faced bullies who looked forward to nothing more than terrorizing him, while “MacDonald the Younger” faced hospitalizations that lasted for lengthy periods. Hemophilia took its toll on both…

As my husband, Jared, and I grow deeper in our marriage, the reality that we will spend our entire lives with chronic illness becomes increasingly clear. Jared has severe hemophilia B and a seizure disorder, which I learned about when we started dating. Meanwhile, I was diagnosed with…

Bleeding disorder patients and their supporters are encouraged to participate on Sept. 18 in Unite Day, a national virtual event aimed at celebrating the community and underscoring the need for treatment for all. Unite Day complements participation in the annual Unite for Bleeding Disorders Walk, both presented by the…

Though the school year is nearly over for my youngest son, Caeleb, who is 15, he just returned to in-person learning for the first time since the pandemic began. Caeleb, who has hemophilia, is a high school freshman and a new student to the school district this…

Dear Younger Self, Congratulations! You’ve found a person who’ll stick with you for life. What a blessing! Jared happens to have hemophilia B and a seizure disorder, and you’re going to be his carer. Big deal, right? I’m sure you’re feeling brave and unfazed now, as is…

The coronavirus is turning lives upside down. A good friend recently tested positive, and when they told me, I was uncertain about how to respond. Should I say I’m sorry? That they will be OK? Not to worry? Knowing what to say isn’t easy. It reminds me of when…

I received an email from an old friend. She remembers when my youngest son, Caeleb, was in and out of the hospital. We both have experience raising a son with hemophilia and an inhibitor. Our paths are terribly similar, and seeing her name pop up in my email was…