Caring for the caregiver

I believe health issues become harder to face as we age. As children, we don’t analyze and worry about things the same way we do as adults. When growing older, the focal point we have on ourselves broadens and opens our eyes to new perspectives on life. As we evolve,...

A good day

When you live with chronic health issues, the definition of a good day can be much simpler than what most people think. I have also learned that we cross paths with people for a reason. There are individuals in the medical field that are exceptional at their jobs and...

The will to survive, part 2

In a split second our world and our health can change dramatically. We can go from being healthy to severely ill, thinking we are fine while relaxing on the couch and then spiking a fever and dry-heaving while calling 911. This happened to me at the beginning of May,...

The will to survive, part 1

I flew to my birthplace of York, Pa. at the beginning of May to say my goodbyes to my paternal grandmother, who passed on April 11, 2017, and to support my family. I stood in the mausoleum where my grandmother was laid to rest and read her name plate in disbelief –...

A letter from a PKD patient to her mom

Dear Mom, Happy Birthday! You are 61! Wow! The first word that comes to mind is ‘hallelujah!’ With living cross-country from each other—from California to Pennsylvania—for seven years now, I am so grateful to be in Pennsylvania with you today to celebrate this...