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to specifically adopt children with hemophilia. Talking with others is a big part of figuring out
what is true or possible. Don’t be afraid to ask
“Who better to take care of a child with a chronic questions.
condition than a parent who has the same one?
There’s a beautiful connection there,” said Rich Experiencing life in a marginalized body can
Pezzillo, Executive Director make one more open to
of the New England “If you’re not ashamed of the way others may be
Hemophilia Association, different.
who looks forward to who you are, it should be “It’s made me try to be
growing his family with a part of the conversation. more understanding of
his husband and is excited what people are going
by the prospect of having ­— Rich Pezzillo through who have
a child with a bleeding different identities than
disorder. me,” said Matt. Thomas

Common Thread feels similarly: “[Growing
up with hemophilia] introduced me to being
While those interviewed have different stories, they different before I knew how different I was.”
shared some common beliefs:

First, it’s important to understand yourself and What do a bleeding disorder, sexual
your needs before you can communicate those orientation and gender identity have in
to others: common? They’re important to who we
are as a community. Show up as your
full, authentic self in clinic, at bleeding
“If you’re not ashamed of who you are,” says
Rich, “it should be a part of the conversation.” disorders events and beyond.

Sunday 4:07 pm WE’RE IN THIS
Enjoying a game of TOGETHER.
checkers with his wife
Alan, living with Let’s make today brilliant.
hemophilia A
with inhibitors Takeda is here to support you
throughout your journey and help you
Not an actual embrace life’s possibilities. Our focus
patient on factor treatments and educational
programs, and our dedication to the
bleeding disorders community, remain
unchanged. And our commitment to
patients, inspired by our vision for a
bleed-free world, is stronger than ever.

bleedingdisorders.com

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