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
Living With Congenital Adrenal HyperplasiaLiving with a genetic condition like congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) can pose unique challenges. But CAH does not have to define a person’s life. With the right treatment plan, most...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Fill Your Cup GiveawayThe Fill Your Cup Giveaway is now closed. Thank you for your interest! February 29th is the the rarest date of all, so it is no surprise that this year...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What It Means to Celebrate Moments as a Rare Disease FamilyOn my journey, celebrating milestones isn't just about the milestone itself. It's also about our family's journey leading up to it. It's the hours fighting with insurance to get therapies...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What to Know About Rare Motor Neuron DiseasesMotor neuron diseases (MNDs) are a class of diseases that affect certain important cells. These cells, called motor neurons, control the muscles that help with movement. Your body uses motor...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
My Experience With New Jersey's Personal Preference ProgramHave you heard of state Medicaid programs that allow a family member or friend to become a paid caregiver? New Jersey's Personal Preference Program is a Medicaid-based program that allows...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Questions I Ask Myself on My Healing JourneyI started my medical trauma healing quest in the early 2000s, but since 2022, I have made a consistent effort. I have learned a lot along the way. I am...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What Is the Impact of Rare Disease Awareness Days?January marks the awareness day for one of my rare diseases, Moebius syndrome. Awareness is sometimes a funny concept when it comes to rare diseases: there are over 7,000 identified...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
3 Things I Learned About Doctors After My Son's Rare DiagnosisIf you or a family member are a rare disease patient, chances are it took quite some time to receive an accurate diagnosis. Once you received your diagnosis, perhaps your...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
When You’re a 'Poster Child' for Your Rare DiseaseI will never forget the day I saw what the more common characteristics of someone diagnosed with MAC lung disease were because it ALL described me at the time I...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Art As Rare Disease Advocacy I have only been living with narcolepsy since my college years. When I discovered what kind of rare disease I had, at first, I was genuinely confused. I didn't know...Reactions0reactionsComments7 comments
Shifting the Focus of Goal SettingGoal setting is a topic covered A LOT, and it's pretty straightforward, right? Set a goal, break it down, and work on the steps to achieve that goal. Whenever I...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
Advocacy Anywhere: Communication With Your DoctorThrough my many healthcare experiences due to having cystic fibrosis, I have experienced the power that lies in self-advocating for my health in the clinic setting. My passion is to empower...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
New Year’s Resolutions and Rare DiseasesI'm not a fan of New Year's resolutions. I'm sure many of us have seen or done this before – we make big goals that are not necessarily attainable, and...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Getting Back Into Advocacy After BurnoutReaching complete physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion is a serious threat that can occur in a variety of life situations – not just in the career field. Living with chronic...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Finding Your Way After Your Child Is Diagnosed With a Rare DiseaseI remember being in the doctor's office and hearing my son would most likely never walk. As his mom, even though there was an obvious difference between my son and...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
Living for the Good ThingsLiving with a rare disease comes along with a lot of difficulties. It can be scary at times, too, not having control over your own health. I live with narcolepsy...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Parenting and Rare Disease: 5 Bonding Activities to Try With Your ChildIf you are caring for a medically complex child, it can be difficult to find ways to bond, interact, and keep them busy. Modifying everyday activities based on your child's...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments