Jake Wachsman Jake Wachsman

Five Years of Waiting Rooms

A heartfelt mother’s account on five years of navigating pediatric specialist waiting rooms with her medically complex child.

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Jake Wachsman Jake Wachsman

Owning What Makes Us Rare

A powerful personal journey through Koolen-de Vries syndrome, ADHD, and neurodivergent parenting. Discover how one mother turned diagnosis into empowerment, embracing difference, healing guilt, and raising resilient, remarkable children in a world that doesn’t always understand.

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Jake Wachsman Jake Wachsman

Understanding Epidermolysis Bullosa: A Journey of Pain and Perseverance

Toni Roberts lives with Epidermolysis Bullosa, a rare genetic disorder that causes the skin to be extremely fragile and prone to blistering and tearing. Toni’s condition profoundly impacted her older sister, Cady Ward. Witnessing Toni’s daily struggles and challenges, Cady was inspired to become an advocate for rare disease and take on an extraordinary challenge—run an ultra-marathon.

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CHANGEMAKERS Jake Wachsman CHANGEMAKERS Jake Wachsman

Dr. David Fajgenbaum: How one doctor turned hope into action to treat his own rare disease

Dr. David Fajgenbaum was in his third year of medical school when a rare and mysterious illness derailed his plans. Crushing fatigue, abdominal pain, and multiple swollen lymph nodes progressed rapidly, and he found himself in the ICU with multiple system organ failure. Recovering from the brink of death, he was diagnosed with Castleman disease (CD), a rare condition that at the time was thought to be a lymph node disease with similarities to cancer.

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REAL STORIES Jake Wachsman REAL STORIES Jake Wachsman

Living Your Dreams When Living with Rare Disease: How Chris Anselmo Learned to Follow His Heart

After his diagnosis of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B at age 21, Chris initially opted for a safe career path, choosing jobs with steady income, benefits, and predictability. However, this decision made him feel like something was missing. Find out how Chris was finally able to follow his heart, finding purpose and contentment in becoming a writer.

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NEWS Jake Wachsman NEWS Jake Wachsman

Latest News in Sickle Cell Disease

Find out about 7 research areas identified as priorities in Sickle Cell Research and about a sickle cell disease drug, which was originally approved for treatment, that has been taken off the market.

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ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT Jake Wachsman ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT Jake Wachsman

Organization Spotlight: Bliss Health

It’s no secret that it is difficult to get to a pain medicine specialist. There are just so many people in pain who cannot find relief, and are looking for help. Learn about Bliss Health, which provides access to pain management services through virtual consultations, through a dedicated team of medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of various types of chronic and acute pain conditions.

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NEWS Jake Wachsman NEWS Jake Wachsman

Perceptions of Pain: Research Shows It’s Personal

There are over 50 million people in the United States that live with chronic pain. However, researchers studying pain have learned something important: perception of pain is personal, and may have more to do with other factors than just the physical cause of the pain.

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CHANGEMAKERS Jake Wachsman CHANGEMAKERS Jake Wachsman

Changemakers in Rare: Becca Salky

At age 15, Becca Salky became her own medical detective, playing a key role in uncovering her diagnosis. Now, as a Clinical Research Coordinator at Massachusetts General Hospital, she focuses on spreading awareness about MOG, finding better diagnostic tools, leading clinical trials, and fighting gender disparity. 

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