I’m Grateful for Childhood Friends Who Showed They Care
Looking back at my younger self, I don’t think I fully appreciated the help I received from others around me during my school experience. Being one of the few people in school with a…
The ‘I’ in Hemophilia
— Jared Formalejo
Jared is a 25-year-old man from the Philippines who has hemophilia and epilepsy. He’s an aspiring entrepreneur happily living with his partner, Cza, and his daughter, Cittie — his pillars of strength and support.
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When Hemophilia Meets Epilepsy
It’s a struggle to balance life with two disorders. I need to take daily medications for epilepsy while also self-infusing to treat internal bleeds. I recently suffered a horrible epileptic episode. My wife,…
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Playtime Is Not so Simple with Hemophilia
Our baby girl turned one earlier this year. Watching Cittie mature makes me reflect on the innocent phase of childhood. Life was so simple back then. I believed games and toys to be…
2019 Was Rough, So I’m Embracing a New Year
With 2019 behind us, it’s time for everyone to start anew and welcome 2020 into their lives. It’s hard to be fond of 2019 considering the impact my chronic illness had on my life.
My Organization’s Christmas Party Overflowed with Hope and Gratitude
With Christmas only a few weeks away, Hemophilia Association of the Philippines for Love and Service (HAPLOS) threw its annual Christmas party. It’s a modest event, but seeing people gather, spread cheer, and…
Performing My First Self-infusion Was Empowering
With so many injuries lately, possibly because of a lack of exercise, I found it necessary to finally learn the ropes of self-infusion. Self-infusion of critical factor is important for me to…
Caregivers Are Huge Blessings in Our Lives
I’ve been struggling with hip bleeds lately. I’m in the middle of recovering from a bleed on my right hip, which may have started because I put too much pressure on it too…
Muscular Atrophy Is a Sign That Something Needs to Change
I’m starting to recover from my recent iliopsoas bleed. I’m irritated that my right hip isn’t as flexible as it used to be, but that’s a normal part of recovery. It’ll take me…
The Small Things I Do to Manage the Pain of Iliopsoas Bleeds
I’m confined to my bed, suffering from a bleed once more. Many hemophiliacs dread having a bleed in this area, called the iliopsoas muscles. It’s considered a very serious bleed, as it…
Building Confidence in My Identity as a Father
As time passes, I can feel both the joys and the pressures of fatherhood. My life has centered around our daughter’s needs and ensuring that she is always happy and smiling. Friends have instructed…
The Value of a Gym Membership for Someone with Chronic Illness
After over a year without a gym membership, my wife, Cza, and I are back in our lifting den. We do it for fun and, of course, fitness. I’ve had several injuries during…
When a Bleed Ruins the Day, There Are Still Lessons to Be Learned
It’s quite difficult to focus on any sense of positivity when bleeds become more frequent. After a bleed-free streak that lasted over six months, it was easy to be disappointed when hemophilia made me…
