The Importance of Connecting With Mentors as a CaregiverCaregivers of individuals living with rare diseases often find themselves navigating uncharted territory. The complicated medical needs, limited treatment options, and lack of awareness about the condition can make the...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Who Am I? A Journey About IdentityNot long ago, I had a conversation with my daughter that caught me off guard, though not for the reasons one might expect. We sat together, enjoying a rare moment...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Navigating Overnight School Trips When Your Child Has a Rare DiseaseAs a parent of a child with 2 chronic conditions, preparing my daughter for an overnight school field trip without me was a challenge. However, we successfully navigated this journey...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
My Child May Have a Rare Disease, but I Still Dream Big Dreams for Her15 years ago, I became the mother of a daughter who lives with a rare disease. My daughter has a rare disease, but that doesn't stop me from dreaming big...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
10 Empowering Tips to Prepare Your Child Living With a Rare Disease for CollegeI want to talk to you about something close to my heart – preparing your high school child living with a rare disease for college. In the words of Robin...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
The Power of Friendship in the Rare Disease Community: 3 Reasons to ConnectLiving with a rare disease can often make individuals feel isolated and misunderstood. However, in this vast and interconnected world, nobody should have to face these challenges alone. The rare...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Fertility Preservation for Rare Disease WarriorsIn a time marked by heightened awareness and discord surrounding reproductive health, caregivers of children with rare diseases carry a unique burden – the preservation of their child's fertility. As...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Parenting a Child With a Rare Disease and Reflecting on the Power of PauseThe day my precious daughter was diagnosed with a rare disease is recorded in my heart, forever reminding me of a story filled with love, resilience, and the transformative power...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
FDA Approves Gene Therapy: A Rare Disease Parent Advocate Reflects on Hope and Challenges AheadToday, I want to share with you the mix of emotions that have flooded my heart as a 15-year rare disease parent advocate. On December 8, 2023, the FDA approved...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
How Clinical Trials Are Transforming the Future for Rare Disease WarriorsPrior to becoming a rare disease caregiver, I must admit that I overlooked and even doubted the significance of clinical trials. Historical stories, such as the notorious Tuskegee experiment, had...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
10 Things I Wish People Understood About Rare DiseasesBeing a caregiver to someone with a rare disease can be a complex journey. It not only alters the life of the person affected, but it also impacts the lives...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
How to Promote Legislative Advocacy for Rare DiseasesCan you imagine living with a condition so rare that it often feels like you are fighting a battle alone? The lack of resources, treatment options, and support can leave...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Do you allow your child with a rare disease to go on overnight school field trips?If so, what tips have worked for you and your child? How did you prepare your child and yourself for this experience? Please share your insights or personal anecdotes below....Reactions0reactionsComments3 repliesCaregivingTravel
Parental Partnership: Supporting Families With a Child Affected by a Rare DiseaseWhen I became a mother at 26 years old and my husband a father at 27 years old, we learned that the future ahead of us would be characterized by...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
20 Essential Self-care Practices for Rare Disease Caregivers: My Journey to ResilienceBeing a caregiver for someone with a rare disease is an incredibly rewarding yet demanding role. Learning how to advocate for my daughter gave me a sense of purpose and...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Embracing Diverse Coping Mechanisms as Parent CaregiversAs a parent caregiver raising a child with a rare disease, my journey has been filled with different challenges, victories, and profound learning experiences. One of the most enlightening aspects...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Embracing Mindfulness: 31 Affirmations for Rare Disease CaregiversReflecting on the past year, I realize that last year was a test of self-discovery, leading me down a path I never thought I would tread. It was the year...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
10 Reasons Why Students With a Rare Disease Should Consider a 504 PlanAs a caregiver for my daughter, who lives with challenges from a rare disease, I strive to protect her at home and school. As we prepare for her first high...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Keeping Your Family Connected When Raising a Child With a Rare DiseaseRaising a child with a rare disease extends beyond medical hurdles – it encompasses emotional and familial challenges. The impact ripples through our entire family, influencing relationships and our day-to-day...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
From One Caregiver to Another: What I Learned After My Child's Diagnosis"You are not alone." These are the 4 most common words I choose to tell another caregiver. I know how heavy it feels to receive the news of a child's...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
