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My Rare Disease Intensifies My Emotions

Sometimes I think my emotions are too much to handle. I find myself wondering if I am overreacting or feeling things too strongly. However, chronic illness has taught me that I need to feel my emotions. I can’t bottle them up, hide…

Daring to Be Rare by Believing in the Power of Hope

Year-round, the parent company of this website, Bionews Services, strives to provide pertinent and updated information about complex, rare diseases. Staying current with medical research is a key component of effective self-advocacy, but personal experience is also a gold mine of valuable information and inspiration. Bionews recognizes this by…

Celebrating My 15-year PH Diagnosis Anniversary

Today is Valentine’s Day, y’all. I know that some of you are eating fancy chocolates and sipping wine, all the while blowing kisses to your love. But for me, Valentine’s Day brings an outpouring of mixed emotions. Fifteen years ago, my life was dismantled in more ways than I can…

My Smile Is Hiding Chronic Pain

If you saw me you would probably notice my bright blue eyes (thanks, Pawpaw) or my huge smile. You might not realize that behind the smile, I am hiding something. I have been hiding the chronic pain that has been affecting me for a long time. It’s not that I’m…

Demi Lovato Sang About My Struggles

A couple of weeks ago, I listened with tears in my eyes as Demi Lovato sang her heart out at the Grammy Awards. I can’t relate to her addiction, but I can relate to the pain in her heart. Recently, I have felt depressed…

These Life Hacks Help Me While Living with PH

We don’t always have a choice about what life throws our way. But our response to challenges is something we can control. Living with pulmonary hypertension (PH), I don’t always have control over my body. With that lack of control comes frustration. However, I’ve found some coping strategies that improve…