Living with rare and chronic illnesses can be complicated, stressful, and draining. There are the obvious reasons, such as feeling sick, undergoing treatment, dealing with…
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For me, summer break is both the best and worst time of year as a parent living with rare and chronic illnesses. I have wild…
The COVID-19 lockdown was one of the most unprecedented events in recent history. We were dealing with a strange virus, being urged to wear face…
I used to measure my daughter’s days in small, ordinary ways. Our house runs on routines, calendars, and controlled chaos, so I’d measure days by…
I’ve always believed in the concept of “mind over matter” — the idea that a person’s thoughts, feelings, and beliefs can somehow override and maybe…
Rare and chronic diseases aren’t always visible. Sometimes, it can be hard for friends and family to understand that you’re very sick if you’re not…
Becoming sick is an inconvenience for anyone. Feeling unwell means not being able to complete tasks, missing work or school, and possibly taking medications that…
While most of the U.S. was battling snow and ice recently, I was out on our dock in Florida, soaking up the sun, my skin…
Blood transfusions are a remarkable medical intervention that has saved my life more than once. When I hear someone “needs a blood transfusion,” I immediately…
Those living with rare and chronic illnesses may often hear the term “flare.” But what does it mean? A disease flare-up is a temporary escalation…
