Columns

As I sit down to write this column, my heart feels heavy. As a Canadian, I can’t help but shed tears for the senseless act of violence that occurred over the weekend a few provinces to the east of me in Nova Scotia. A seemingly respectable man in a…

After writing last week about the loss of my friend, I realized that it was her birthday. That very day, she would have turned 30. I don’t believe in coincidences. I think things happen at certain times for a reason. Donate Life Month inspired me…

It’s fair to say that none of us really know how to navigate our days during this COVID-19 pandemic. I have never lived through anything quite like this, and would guess that many of you haven’t either. The days are long with a lack of routine and structure, and…

April is Donate Life Month. I have struggled to think of something new to say about organ donation. Everything I’ve written for Pulmonary Fibrosis News has been inspired by, or is in response to, organ donation. I’ve talked about both pre- and post-transplant challenges, caregiver struggles, grief, celebration, and…

When I was growing up, my mom used to say, “Charlene, there is something to be said about routine!” Usually she was referring to my sleeping habits: I would stay up far too late and then be tired the next day. She always told me that if I got into…

Living through a pandemic means that people around the world are having new and uncomfortable experiences. Many, including me, are afraid. We fear for our health and for our loved ones. We fear for our economy, finances, businesses, and futures. I don’t want to diminish or ignore those fears, but…

The news of organ transplants being paused at several medical centers around the world amid the COVID-19 pandemic is deeply troubling. As a patient living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), I’m concerned, because ultimately, a lung transplant will be the only thing to save my life. I also…

Rare disease patients and caregivers have a lot to teach the world right now. No matter your role in the rare disease community, I would be willing to bet this is not the first time you’ve sheltered at home to avoid infection. While we may be used to taking precautions…

It’s hard to focus on anything other than the COVID-19 outbreak happening around the world. News reports share grim statistics and other daily details about surges in new cases, the climbing death toll, and stories of those who refuse to comply with important social distancing practices. Social media…

Coronavirus news hasn’t gotten any less scary since I wrote about it two weeks ago. At the time of writing this column, the virus is in all 50 states and four U.S. territories. More than 100 U.S. citizens have died from the illness. I wasn’t planning to write about…