Before having children, my definition of a season of life did not contain color. Everything appeared black and white. If there was a medical issue, it lasted for a little while and soon passed. Nothing remained for long. The most significant medical problem I faced was when I broke my…

Memories flooded my mind as I was going about my usual work today. I suddenly thought about my life before I met my husband, Jared, before my pregnancy, and before our daughter, Cittie, was born. I thought about my depression. And then I thought about our future as…

The new year is a wonderful time. To many of us, it’s a symbol of fresh hope and new beginnings. I greeted January with many dreams and the hope that they may come true. After an eventful series of moments leading up to New Year’s Eve, my husband, Jared,…

The bleeding disorder community has suffered an unimaginable loss: Barry Haarde, the founder of the “Wheels for the World” campaign, passed away over the weekend. Haarde was just 52 years old. MORE: New documentary explores what it’s like living with a bleeding disorder Barry Haarde was born with severe…

I recently wrote a paper that compared how different religious traditions address bleeding disorders, starting with where they are mentioned in sacred texts. The study of theology is one of my many interests. As someone who identifies as a polysectarian (I’m connected to two religions, both of which often demand…

Note: This story was updated Nov. 6, 2020, to clarify key scientific concepts. The gene-editing tool CRISPR/Cas9 enables a targeted gene insertion approach that may be superior to conventional gene therapy at restoring the activity of factor IX (FIX), the blood-clotting protein missing in people with…

When I’m browsing online, I often see posts dedicated to carers of people with disabilities, calling them “unsung heroes” for sacrificing time and convenience for their loved ones’ well-being. As the wife of a person with disabilities, I can attest that is often the case. I believe carers deserve recognition.

Lately, my husband, Jared, and I have been working on home improvement goals. Since the pandemic lockdowns began, couples all over the Philippines have been boasting of their improved homes. With many employees now working from home, several people have both the time and the initiative to renovate and…

Bayer is recalling two lots of product vials that have been wrongly labeled as Kogenate FS antihemophilic factor (recombinant) 2000 IU, when in reality they contain Jivi antihemophilic factor (recombinant) PEGylated-aucl 3000 IU. Both Kogenate (BAY14-2222) and Jivi (BAY 94-9027) are factor VIII replacement therapies…

My husband, Jared, and I have an open-door policy for our friends. We warmly welcome them, whether they need a place to stay for the night, a safe haven after a tough experience, a spot to relax, or a place to celebrate life’s victories. In our home, friends become part…