Merriam-Webster defines hope as the “expectation of fulfillment or success.” To me, hope is the feeling of wishing for a positive outcome. It prompts thoughts about an altered reality full of positivity and an ease of flow. This four-letter word is simple in name but powerful in the meaning…
Growing up, I’d always heard the quote, “There’s nothing like the bond between a dog and its owner.” I didn’t entirely understand this statement until the day my dad showed up with a dog in his arms while standing on the porch. The dog, Booser, was a cuddly…
I spent countless days at the hospital after being diagnosed with aplastic anemia and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), and during that time, my family and I formed a beautiful bond with my social worker. She was always so kind and passionate, and took action to help me…
December gifted the paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) community a big win. Fabhalta (iptacopam), developed by Novartis, became the first oral therapy approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat PNH. The news prompted a surge of feelings in me, given my years of…
The new year is upon us, which means more opportunities to accomplish bigger goals in life. Making it to another year with aplastic anemia and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) reminds me of my resilience and drive to conquer what others would deem impossible. Because you’re reading this, you’ve…
The holidays are filled with joy, happiness, love, togetherness, and so many warm, fuzzy feelings. But I wasn’t feeling any of them at the beginning of my health journey and had a hard time getting into the holiday spirit. I didn’t feel happy, joyful, or full of life. Instead, I…
Before I departed on a recent flight to New York City, I found myself watching a woman in a wheelchair as she was moved to the front of the line to board first. “Man,” I thought, “I’d love to be the first to do that and get to my seat.”…
In the thick of my aplastic anemia and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, my family and I boarded a plane to take a vacation. I hadn’t been on a flight in a while, other than to see my specialist in New York. We’d planned this trip to give me some…
Your story is your superpower! I’ve heard this statement so many times, but didn’t fully understand it until I began sharing my own story. Since 2008, I’ve battled two blood disorders: aplastic anemia and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). In the beginning, I was focused only on my health so…
After I was diagnosed with aplastic anemia and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), I was told to consider a bone marrow transplant. My doctor quickly pointed out, however, that there weren’t many minority donors available. According to the National Marrow Donor Program’s Be The Match registry, you’re…
Get regular updates delivered to your inbox.
