It’s finally happened: validation. The battle to get here was rough, but perseverance paid off. Seeing “Shellye, a patient with superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS), presents for follow-up visit prior to surgical repair” written in my medical records made me want to cry. I felt the same way when…

Changes in the cellular microenvironment could influence immune responses against factor VIII (FVIII) replacement therapy in people with hemophilia A, a new study suggests. Data from the cell culture study showed that FVIII proteins that cause an immune reaction differ depending on which other molecules are present in…

I like my cabinets neatly arranged. But the kitchen cabinets are often hit-or-miss in the organization department. For example, the cabinets that house plastic lids and containers can be treacherous. When organized, the cabinet allows us to see what’s available. Every cover matches its proper container, and items sit neatly…

An analysis was highly critical of the Orphan Drug Act, used by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration since 1983 to stimulate research into rare diseases. The study found that the act is not “sufficiently” effective in meeting the needs of patients with less common diseases, like hemophilia, while pharmaceutical companies are finding it profitable, with…

Direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy is especially effective at eliminating hepatitis C virus (HCV) in people with bleeding disorders, including hemophilia, a study has found. The study, “Elimination of hepatitis C virus infection in patients with haemophilia in Belgium: A single‐centre experience,” was published in Haemophilia.

My household is navigating a season of major change. As the family of a frequently relocating pastor, we’ve honed our adaptability, mastering the rhythm of moving with grace and resilience. This summer we’ll exhibit that adaptability again as my husband moves to a new appointment in Las Cruces, New…

To encourage more women to take part in disease research, the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has chosen the Hemophilia Federation of America (HFA) and its FIRST project to receive a Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Award. The HFA’s FIRST project stands for Females in Research Sharing and…

In the final days of 2023, an adult with hemophilia A named Maxwell became the first person in the U.S. to receive treatment with the one-time gene therapy Roctavian (valoctocogene roxaparvovec-rvox) — approved in June of last year — outside of clinical trials. “Receiving this treatment is liberating…

The National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF) has changed its name to the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF) to reflect its support for people with inheritable blood and bleeding disorders other than hemophilia. The new name includes a new visual identity and logo. The foundation also unveiled a new tagline…

Artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare? You’ve got to be kidding me! What a ridiculous idea! That sounds horrifying. We don’t want computers diagnosing us; we want trained, experienced professionals who can think for themselves. As someone with hemophilia, I felt this way. Strongly. Until last week. As I’ve mentioned…