Story told Jennifer from CDC.
Jennifer, born in 1965, was diagnosed at age 10 with both hemophilia B and von Willebrand disease (VWD) after a tonsillectomy led to unexpected bleeding. Originally, she and her family didn’t fully grasp the seriousness—until others in her family, including a cousin and grandmother, also experienced bleeding issues.
Despite chronic knee problems and multiple surgeries during childhood, and struggling with extremely heavy menstrual bleeding (sometimes needing a sweatshirt tied around her waist during school), Jennifer persevered. She found solace in swimming, which she continued through college.
As an adult, she learned to self-infuse clotting factor at home, reducing emergency room visits, and started receiving iron infusions to treat anemia. Connected with a Hemophilia Treatment Center two hours away, she now benefits from responsive care via email and supportive professionals.