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When I share my story, I’m helping others — and myself

It takes courage to be vulnerable, especially when sharing your story with strangers on the internet. After being diagnosed with aplastic anemia and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), I’ve seen the impact storytelling has had on my life. We’ve all experienced moments that made a monumental impression on us.

Speaking up: The power of self-advocacy with PNH

When I was diagnosed with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) in 2017, I felt powerless. I had no control over what was happening to my body and found myself at the mercy of doctors and medical jargon I barely understood. At first, too overwhelmed to push for my own needs,…

When depression hits a person with a chronic illness

Depression seeps in like a snake, slithering slowly as it makes its way into your life. You feel it there, but only a little. Then, one day, the full force hits you. Depression has a way of robbing you of your joy and happiness. It becomes regular to miss events…

How my PNH diagnosis affected my mental health

When I was diagnosed with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) in May 2017, I thought the biggest battle I would face was the physical one. I was wrong. While the fatigue, blood clots, and pain were undeniably difficult, nothing could’ve prepared me for the mental and emotional toll this rare…

Things to help boost mood on a not-so-good day

The American historian and writer Alice Morse Earle said, “Every day may not be good, but there’s something good in every day.” It’d be nice to wake up every morning to see that it is what you consider to be a perfect day. Unfortunately, that’s not the reality…