Women Fight Institutional Bias in the Hemophilia Community
Have you ever been to a holiday dinner with two tables? One table is designated for “the adults” and the other is for “the kids.” Growing up, this was the case at…
The Forgotten Factor
— G Shellye Horowitz
G Shellye Horowitz, MA, PPS, has strong ties to the bleeding disorders community with six traceable generations of hemophilia A in her family. She also has hemophilia A. Her advocacy work includes an emphasis on early diagnosis and care for females with hemophilia and strengthening diagnosis and care for all people with mild bleeding disorders.
Shellye is a licensed school counselor and principal with over 30 years experience. She currently works for the University of Washington as a researcher in the Johnsen Lab. She lives in Northern California, where she and her dog, “Hope,” love to wander through the majestic Redwood forests. All opinions are her own.
Featured Post
Why Bleeder is my favorite app for tracking bleeds and factor levels
Tracking factor VIII (FVIII) infusions can be a drag! When I started infusing it regularly to prevent bleeds caused by my hemophilia, I searched for an app to help. For hemophilia patients, it’s…
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Celebrating Our Personal Victories
Last week I hit a significant personal milestone. In order to keep myself mobile and healthy, I ride a recumbent indoor bike — a lot! I used to ride over 100 miles…
How to Help Your Doctor Take Hemophilia Seriously
Last week, I met a new local hematologist. He is not my main hemophilia doctor, but with my hemophilia treatment center eight hours away, it helps to have a local connection. He…
Women Need Early Factor Level Testing
Not all medical visits are created equal. Sadly, or perhaps horrifyingly, some women must fight to get access to the most basic of care, while others are fortunate enough to access it…
Women Must Keep Pushing for Hemophilia Diagnoses
Today my hematologist complimented me. She told me that, had I not persevered, I may have only been labeled a “carrier” and my bleeding disorder may not have been adequately understood.
How I Mastered the Self-infusion of Factor Products
When I was a young girl, I sat next to my father while he self-infused. I handed him his supplies — butterfly needles, syringes, alcohol, cotton, and medical tape — as he…
Protecting Hemophiliacs from the Unknowns of COVID-19
Our hemophilia community has been here before. A novel virus — previously, it was HIV — hit the world, and our community was uncertain about how it would affect us. Patients were…
Reawakening My Inner Hemophilia Advocate During COVID-19
In the past month, it has been hard for me to focus on hemophilia advocacy efforts, which normally are a burning passion. Disappointment over an opportunity to work more deeply…
Finding Gratitude in My COVID-19 World
COVID-19 has upended our lives. It is hard. As an individual with a chronic condition, I find myself worrying about how it will affect me in ways that may be different from…
My Healthcare Providers Are Still Learning About Hemophilia
Over the past few years, I have learned that bleeding disorders are complex, particularly for women. Hemophilia is not always easy to understand or treat. It can take women up to…
It’s Not Easy Getting Appropriate Care
Accessing quality healthcare can be a struggle. Women with hemophilia have added challenges that range from not understanding their own bodies (after years of ignoring symptoms) to struggling to find knowledgeable healthcare providers.
My Self-esteem Was Shattered as a Child. Here’s How I Got It Back
This week is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Eating disorders are tough to address, yet critical, as many suffer in silence. I was one of them. I struggled…
