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During my biweekly Soliris (eculizumab) treatments for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), I wear headphones to listen to music or a podcast, play games on my iPad, or read a book. I enter my own secluded world, oblivious to the noise and people around me. But during my…

I recently posted about paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) on a social media page, hoping to make connections with other patients. Users commented on the post and discussed it with one another, which was exciting! But I didn’t agree with some of their advice and decided to intervene. They were…

After seven years of dating, my loving husband, John, and I got married on Oct. 10, 2020. It was one of the best days of our lives, spent with family and friends as we entered this new phase together. We’d been told by those around us, along with movies and…

When I was in elementary school, I participated in a variety of physical activities, including dance, soccer, and softball. The latter was my least favorite because I was terrified of being hit with the ball, which I couldn’t catch very well. But I’ll forever be grateful to the sport for…

Last week, I finally had a follow-up appointment after my hematologist had switched me back to Soliris (eculizumab) to treat my paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). The checkup had been delayed multiple times both on my end and my doctor’s. There were scheduling issues, changed hospital rotations, and an…

You’ve been busy preparing for a doctor appointment that’s today. You have your notes from tracking symptoms, along with questions you want to ask. Maybe you’re a little anxious. You check in, wait, and then are brought into the examination room, where you discuss your medications and have…

Have you ever seen a movie or funny internet clip where someone is running on a treadmill, and to help motivate them, a fishing pole is placed in front of them with something they really want on the line? They extend their arms to grab the item, but the treadmill…

Ever since I was little, I was programmed to believe that chasing the American dream was my main goal in life. To pursue that goal, I believed I had to do well in school, attend college, get married, land a good job, have children, and live happily ever after. This…

Last weekend, I attended a first birthday party for my friend’s son. During the week leading up to the party, I wasn’t feeling my best, as I was struggling with severe fatigue and headaches. I could hear my body telling me to rest and take it easy. My invisible…

What are your go-to phrases for encouraging someone who’s going through a tough time? Do you sympathize with their situation and say you’re sorry, even though you haven’t had a hand in what’s happening? Do you hit them with the empowering “You’ve got this!”? Or last but not least,…