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Creating a nonprofit helped me find my passion and purpose

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…

Shock and gratitude over the new FDA-approved PNH treatment

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…

How to best support a friend with chronic illness

Comforting people when they’re going through difficult times or looking for support is hard to navigate. I’ve been on both sides of this situation, especially since I was diagnosed with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). It’s tricky to know the right thing to say or do. I recently connected…

Setting New Year’s goals helps me better manage my rare disorders

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…

4 steps I’ve taken for getting through the holidays with PNH

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…

What I would do if I didn’t have PNH

One of my favorite hobbies is watching competitive reality television shows. “Survivor” and “The Amazing Race,” both on CBS, are two of my guilty pleasures to pass the time. I’ve been a fan of them for many years and dreamed of one day being a contestant. However, after…

Someone gets me in the song that’s become my PNH anthem

Have you ever listened to a song and connected with the lyrics instantly? When you want to keep the song on repeat, or Google the words and sit staring into space while interpreting them? Listening to music has always been my favorite way to escape reality; in fact, certain songs…

A holiday gift guide for people living with PNH

We’re now well into the holiday season of celebrating, sharing family time, and offering gifts! As a person with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), I’m excited to put forth the following three items for your seasonal giving. I have two already and plan to ask for the third this year.