An ultrasound-mediated, non-viral gene therapy safely and effectively increased the levels of factor VIII (FVIII) — the missing clotting factor in hemophilia A — and lessened bleeding in a mouse model of the disease, a study shows. The delivery of a modified, improved version of the disease-associated F8 gene…

A single dose of the experimental gene therapy Roctavian (valoctocogene roxaparvovec) continues to prevent bleeds and the need for preventive treatment, or prophylaxis, over at least two years in men with severe hemophilia A, according to updated data from the Phase 3 GENEr8-1 trial. Notably, the activity of…

Preparing for major spinal surgery has me feeling more than the usual pre-op jitters. There’s something more profound at work — a feeling that connects me to the years of watching my son Caeleb endure numerous surgeries as a result of complications from severe hemophilia with an inhibitor. Because…

Navigating social media for information about hemophilia and other health issues can produce mixed results, but amid the noise are shining beacons of knowledge and support. In honor of Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, which is now coming to an end, the following are five exceptional social media accounts…

When my youngest son needed daily infusions, keeping up with factor and supplies was not difficult. There was never any question as to when an infusion would take place, and ordering what was needed was the same every month. At one point when his treatment was extremely complicated, each month…

Losing family members is hard. Long-lived lives that come to an end, distance that prevents relatives from remaining close, and estrangements following family squabbles are a few ways to lose family members, and it can be devastating. Yet we manage to pick ourselves up and go on with our lives,…

After writing a weekly column for over six years, I needed the break I’ve just completed. I’ve spent the past few months working to renew my spirit and consider what’s essential. I didn’t realize how desperately I needed to let go of some things. While my recent sabbatical is technically…

In the bleeding disorder world, there are often opportunities to earn a few extra dollars. Research companies, pharmaceutical companies, and reporters will often reach out to members of the community to learn more about the disorder for their research. “Honorarium Offered” is a subject line in an email that will…

When I walked into the LadyBugs conference in Salt Lake City last weekend, the energy was immediate: part reunion, part rally, and part safe space for women who understand life with a bleeding disorder. Hosted by the CHES Foundation, LadyBugs is a program for women ages 16 and older who…

In past columns, I wrote about the benefits of creating a medical road map to keep everyone involved in my son’s hemophilia care on the same page. This collegial approach included data from medical, educational, and personal perspectives, allowing us to form a rich assessment of my stinky boy’s…