From Fear to Fighter - Brandi Lewis

As we start a new year, I strive to be consistent and set myself up for success. I consider what I could accomplish and which actions I’ll need to take to achieve my goals.

I recently wrote a column titled “How I’m reflecting on 2024 while preparing for the new year.” In it, I shared that I want to work out more consistently in 2025, exercising three…

In December, I always reflect on the year that’s passed and find myself saying “I can’t believe I made it to the end of the year” or “What a year it’s been.” It’s as…

What does it mean to “live rare”? After I was diagnosed with two rare blood disorders, aplastic anemia and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), it took me years to understand how to navigate…

The weather is getting cooler, leaves are changing colors, and, yes, pumpkin-flavored everything is at our fingertips. Unfortunately, with the fall comes flu season. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,…

When I was growing up, I always played with dolls. Some of them came as a package deal with a husband and kids. I’d name the kids and care for them as if they…

In 2016, I went to the doctor for a six-month checkup. To my surprise, I discovered that I was no longer in remission for aplastic anemia and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), two…

Often when rare disease awareness weeks or months come around each year, people ask, “What can I do?” or “How can I help make a difference?” Now is a good time to answer these…

I felt like my life was in shambles after I was diagnosed with aplastic anemia and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). In the blink of an eye, I went from living on…