I watch my son put pencil to paper and cannot help noticing the change in his face. The tension from just a few minutes ago gives way to peace. The minute he draws the first line on the page, he’s transported into a world that offers him rest and spiritual…

When my kids were little, people reminded me to enjoy my children because they would be in college before I knew it. I never thought much about that sentiment. With both of my sons living with severe hemophilia, I felt like I was going from one thing to the…

To those caring for a spouse or partner with chronic illness: Maybe you knew about your partner’s condition from the get-go. Or maybe they developed a chronic illness or disability somewhere along the road, and you stuck around, ever the loyal companion. You may feel bound by spousal duties…

Dear Newly Diagnosed Sister, Welcome! You are now part of a supportive community full of love, courage, and inspirational superheroes. Always remember that you are not alone. I was diagnosed with von Willebrand disease and hemophilia B in 1975, at age 10. Your diagnosis Diagnosis of…

Last week I attended the New Mexico Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. As a pastor, I must attend the conference every year. One positive aspect of the meeting is a focus on clergy health. A medical assistant measured me, took my blood pressure, weighed me, and took a…

It’s normal to come across inconveniences in daily life. Imagine being in the following scenarios: You’re filling out an important document with a pen when it runs out of ink midsentence. It’s a typical morning and you’re on your regular train to work when it breaks down out of…

As my COVID-19 recovery continues, I have questions. So I called public health expert Frank James, MD, to help. James is active in teaching, research, and medical practice. He is the health officer for San Juan County and the Nooksack Indian Nation in Washington state. He is…

Last week, my 16-year-old son, Caeleb, had a physical therapy session at 1 p.m. Unfortunately, the business of the day prevented us from visiting a museum. I felt disappointed that I didn’t hold up my end of the bargain regarding our plans for regular Friday “museum days” during…

Dosing has begun in a second group of hemophilia B patients enrolled in a Phase 1/2 dose-confirmation trial of the experimental gene therapy FLT180a, the treatment’s developer, Freeline, announced. The dose determined to be optimal in this study is expected to finalize plans for a pivotal Phase 3…

When I was younger, I often yearned for a fast-paced life. As a teenager, I rarely got to leave the house by myself. I coped by working on novels while locked away in my hot, stuffy bedroom. I loved writing in silence, but a greater part of me really wanted…