Winter 2007 | Newly Diagnosed / Rania Salem

Last October, I had the opportunity to attend the NHF Meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This event was an enormous, awe-inspiring experience. It was my first time attending such a huge gathering of people from around the nation affected by bleeding disorders. It was a wonderfully compassionate, loving, and fun-filled event.

As I walked around meeting so many new families, I could not help but feel the love and concern that all those in the bleeding disorders community have for one another. People could be strangers or best friends for years, but you just could not tell . . . it seemed like everyone had known each other for an eternity.

I learned a lot as I attended a few seminars for infants and toddlers. Now that my little man is 22 months old, I was able to reflect upon all the old feelings I had when I was first told my son had hemophilia. Boy, I have come a long way since then!

I looked at the faces in the meetings and listened as many moms shared their stories. Their words told of their heartaches, sorrows, and tears. My heart swelled as they also recounted the happiness and joy that these children have brought to their lives.

As time goes by and your little guy grows up, you begin to accept all these feelings as normal. At events such as the NHF meeting, you realize that you are not the only one that has experienced these emotions. Eventually, these feelings are accepted, your lives have adjusted to the diagnosis, and you run with it. You realize and understand that your child is as normal as every other child. You also realize that you and your family can LIVE your lives to the fullest.

My highest recommendation to any new parent of a diagnosed bleeding disorder is to just get out there and talk to other parents. Who better to understand what you are going through than someone who has gone through it as well?

The one thing that really helped me get through my first year of hemophilia was being able to talk with other moms. The more you learn about hemophilia, the more you can begin to cope with the emotions. Reach out, educate yourself, and embrace this new life for you and your family!

If you are a new mom who would just like to chat and share your story with another mom, please feel free to call me any time at 513-470-5500. I would love the opportunity to speak with you and get to know you. You can also email me at rysalem@gmail.com anytime.

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