Disclosing Rare Disease NeedsWhen living with a rare disease, how often do you disclose your needs? Daily? Weekly? Monthly? Living with a rare disease usually...reactions2comments
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...reactions7comments
My First Rare Disease ConferenceRecently, I had the opportunity to attend a national conference for the rare disease that is narcolepsy. This conference had a plethora...reactions2comments
Reach for the Stars! Why Media Representation MattersRecently, I had the privilege of attending Portland Pride. The weekend was jam-packed with all sorts of events and parties celebrating the...reactions3comments
The Diagnosis Journey: Primary Immunodeficiency (PI)A long and difficult road may face people with primary immunodeficiency, also known as PI. It is not always easy to diagnose...reactionscomments
Understanding Primary Immunodeficiency (PI)Primary immunodeficiency, or PI, is a group of chronic disorders, including many rare diseases. These diseases are caused by problems in the...reactionscomments
Finding Joy While Raising a Child With a Rare DiseaseIt's hard to remember what my life was like before having a child with a rare disease. I became the caregiver of...reactions2comments
Caring for a Child With a Rare Disease: The Difficult Decision to Return to Work Outside the HomeEvery day, parents and caregivers of children with rare diseases face emotional, financial, and logistical challenges. These challenges force us to make...reactionscomments
Caring for a Child With a Rare Disease: Conventional Versus Specialized EducationSending my child to a specialized school for special needs has been a deeply emotional journey, marked by feelings ranging from hope...reactions3comments
3 Ways You Can Help a Rare Disease CaregiverI am not going to lie and say that being a rare disease parent is easy. It is often a challenge for...reactionscomments
Why Caregivers Feel IsolatedBeing a rare caregiver comes with many challenges that the community as a whole can't relate to. Though every rare family is...reactionscomments
Rare Diseases and Preparing for an EmergencyMedical emergencies are certainly no fun, especially when a rare disease is in the mix. However, being prepared for a potential emergency...reactions2comments
Navigating Life with a Rare Disease: An Accessibility StoryThe most consistently bothersome aspect of living with hemophilia is my left ankle. Due to both minor and, on rare occasions, major...reactions3comments
Rare Diseases, Disability, and Self-Identity: I Am More Than My ConditionI didn't always see myself as someone living with a rare disease. For years, I fought to hold onto the life I...reactions6comments
Xanadu I or Don't I? A Rare Disease Roller Skating OdysseyIn the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, my partner Gwenn and her friends decided to order roller skates and take a...reactions1comment
How I Get Through Tough DaysHumor plays a huge role in my life. I'm pretty open about having hemophilia A, and I rarely miss an opportunity to...reactionscomments
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...reactionscomments
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...reactionscomments
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...reactionscomments
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...reactionscomments