Category: Sickness
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Understanding Fanconi Anemia: A Rare Genetic Disorder
Fanconi Anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to repair damaged DNA, leading to a host of serious health complications. It’s most commonly inherited and can be passed down if both parents carry a defective gene related to FA. The disease primarily targets the bone marrow, resulting in decreased production…
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Rare to Rare: Caregiving for a Rare as a Rare
Being a caregiver is a challenging role, but when you’re balancing your own chronic illness while caring for a spouse with another rare disease, the challenges intensify. I live with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a rare connective tissue disorder that leads to chronic pain and physical limitations, while my husband, Dexter, has Fanconi Anemia (FA), a…
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The Complex Journeys of Life: A Tribute to My Sister
Life is filled with unexpected twists, and my relationship with my sister, Robin, was one of its most treasured yet complex paths. Robin was a fearless, quirky, and artistic spirit who never failed to brighten my world. One of my fondest memories was when she transformed my look with a bold hairstyle in 2001: deep…
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Thinking About Moving to Georgia? You Might Want to Think Twice!
Today’s post takes a detour from my usual topics, but it’s an issue that weighs heavily on my heart: the crumbling state of Georgia’s healthcare system and its devastating impact on those of us with rare diseases. Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a rare connective tissue disorder, means constantly navigating a complex web of medical…
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Finding Normalcy in a Surreal World: My Journey Back to Wellness
The past 48 hours have been quite eventful. It all started when my precious little Dixie spiked a fever yesterday. Her clinginess and fussiness made it challenging to get much done, but my heart ached for her because she clearly felt awful. This morning, I made the decision to take her to the animal hospital,…
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The Importance of Having an Emotional Support Animal
In the book of Genesis, it says that God said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” This timeless truth underscores the importance of companionship and support in our lives. For many, especially those who face challenges like Autism, PTSD, anxiety, and depression, having the right support system is crucial. When human support…
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A True Blessing
Living with Dissociative Amnesia has brought many challenges, but amidst these challenges, there have been small blessings that my loving husband has given me. His thoughtful gestures, like buying me beautiful journals and nice pens over the years to help me keep track of my memories, have been a true blessing in my life. He…
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Finding Solace in Art: My Journey Between Georgia and Manhattan
Since 2020, my life has been a whirlwind of trips between Georgia and Manhattan. My husband, diagnosed with Fanconi Anemia, reached the point of aggressive leukemia, necessitating a life-saving bone marrow transplant. This relentless journey turned Manhattan into our home away from home, a city that became familiar yet challenging with its bustling streets and…
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The Healing Power of Art: A Caregiver’s Perspective
As a caregiver, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that art can have on mental health and well-being. The daily challenges of caring for loved ones, whether human or furry, can be overwhelming, leaving little room for self-care and emotional expression. That’s why the rising recognition of art therapy as a powerful tool for…
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The Art of Caring: Embracing Love and Compassion
Caring for our loved ones, whether they are human family members or beloved pets, is a journey that requires immense love, dedication, and sacrifice. It demands our time, emotional energy, and often stretches our financial resources. Yet, amidst the challenges and sacrifices, caregiving is also a profound act of love—one that strengthens bonds and enriches…
Country Girl Gone City 