From Fear to Fighter - a Column by Brandi Lewis

What I look for in a partner as someone living with PNH

Recently, while talking to a fellow paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) patient who is married, I mentioned that I always wonder how I’ll find a partner who understands my illness. She said that the right person will be a part of your life, no matter what. Her response brought me…

Looking back on how my health journey affected my siblings

When you’re diagnosed with a chronic illness, no one tells you how it will affect other members of the family, particularly siblings. I grew up in a close-knit family, and my mom and dad raised three strong, morally driven women who are resilient enough to face life’s challenges. But that…

How the power of choice helped me fight my chronic illnesses

Life presents us with battles and trials we wouldn’t wish to face. Yet how do we choose to show up in the face of the unexpected? My journey through chronic illnesses, including paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and aplastic anemia, has offered countless life lessons. I’ve had enlightening moments…

A letter to those new to a PNH diagnosis, from someone who gets it

I get it. That’s the first thing I want any patient reading this column to know. I understand what you’re going through; you are not alone. After my diagnoses with aplastic anemia and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), I experienced many emotions, including loneliness. Hearing that my blood…

5 things I wish I knew after my PNH diagnosis

You never think you’ll face health issues until you do. I wasn’t at all prepared for my diagnosis of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and aplastic anemia, and the news filled me with worry. I was thrust into a world of unknowns and forced to learn about two rare…

How I support other PNH and aplastic anemia patients

Living with rare blood disorders can bring a sense of loneliness. Of the billions of people on Earth, only a handful truly understand what I’m going through. In addition, trying to find a good support team and helpful health information can be daunting and stressful. With my diagnoses of…

How I navigate the symptoms of PNH and aplastic anemia

In past columns, I’ve stated that I live with both aplastic anemia and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Today I want to explain how I navigate these two rare blood disorders simultaneously. In 2009, I was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a condition in which the bone marrow doesn’t produce…

How hospital staff, other patients supported me after my diagnosis

Recently, I participated in a paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) panel discussion where patients shared stories about living with the blood disorder. Many mentioned that support from hospital staff helped them build a community they didn’t know they needed. After being diagnosed with aplastic anemia and PNH, I…

The challenges involved in living with invisible illnesses

When people picture someone with an illness or disability, they often visualize a wheelchair, medical device, or some other visible sign that the person is facing health challenges. But there’s not always an external indicator that someone is living with an illness. As a Talkspace article explains, “An invisible…

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.