At 32, Ashley Zebley from Arkansas is no stranger to bleeding disorders. I recently interviewed her over the phone. Ashley explained that her father has severe hemophilia B, and both her maternal grandmother and great-grandmother exhibited bleeding problems, although neither was diagnosed with hemophilia. Ashley herself is a…

“Don’t let anyone cut into you without talking to your hematologist first.” That’s what my hematologist told me decades ago, and I’ve never forgotten it. It’s advice that may have saved my life more than once. For people living with hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, or rare factor…

In my work as a hospice chaplain, I take the same routes when I drive to patients’ homes, assisted living facilities, or hospitals. Without thinking about changing lanes or adjusting my speed, my mind settles into autopilot, and I often arrive at my destination without realizing how far I’ve…

A structured rehabilitation program improved knee function, movement, and pain in people with hemophilia after total knee arthroplasty, a surgical procedure that replaces the knee joint, according to a 10-year study in China. While improvements were seen across patients with varying levels of knee mobility before surgery, those who…

Women like me often wonder how the hemophilia community has overlooked us for so long. The stories of women labeled as mere “carriers” — despite experiencing life-threatening bleeding episodes — are endless. For decades, we’ve lived with symptoms that disrupt our lives, yet we were dismissed, misdiagnosed, or told…

In our quest for security and certainty, it’s only natural to gravitate toward options that offer zero risk. Think about it: When you purchase insurance or opt for a product with a money-back guarantee, you’re essentially seeking assurance against any potential loss. This tendency to avoid risk at all…

Last week, I drove two hours to my hemophilia treatment center (HTC) in Tampa, Florida — not just to see my hematologist or get my labs done, but to meet with the physical therapist. The distance was long, but the trip was worth it. My knees have always been…

The Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health’s (CADTH) Canadian Drug Expert Committee (CDEC) recommended reimbursement for hemophilia B gene therapy Hemgenix (etranacogene dezaparvovec), according to the therapy’s developer, CSL Behring Canada. Hemgenix in 2023 became the first gene therapy in the country approved for hemophilia…

I’ve been writing about life with my husband, Jared, who has severe hemophilia B and epilepsy, for many years now. In doing so, I’d often refer to myself as a caregiver in passing. But here’s something that might surprise you: This column is the first time I’m openly…

Idelvion (albutrepenonacog alfa), a hemophilia B treatment approved for up to 14-day dosing, is now available in a large, 3500 IU vial size (3500 IU),…