caregivers

As a rare disease parent, I’ve dealt with many situations. Some are happy, and some are scary. The past week has been one of the hardest by far. It started with a common cold. Usually, my 3-year-old son, Cayden, who has infantile-onset Pompe disease, can deal with a cold…

When my son, Cayden, was diagnosed with infantile-onset Pompe disease, I experienced a multitude of different emotions. One of the biggest things I struggled with was the guilt that came along with his diagnosis. Because Pompe is a genetic disease, I know I am part of the reason my son…

As special needs caregivers, we have many responsibilities. From the moment we open our eyes in the morning until the time our heads hit the pillow at night, our primary focus is caring for our child and their needs. While there’s nothing wrong with that, it can be…

Although enzyme replacement infusions were initially very frightening, they have become a part of our routine. My son, Cayden, requires this lifesaving medication due to his infantile Pompe disease. It works by replacing the enzyme that his body cannot make on its own.  For the first…

At the young age of 15, I stared at the two bold lines on my pregnancy test and immediately burst into tears. How would I do this alone? I was only a sophomore in high school. I had no clue how I’d finish school and take care of…

More than half of the people with rare diseases and their caregivers, asked in a survey, were undecided or less than willing to be vaccinated for COVID-19 if a vaccine was approved under emergency use authorization instead of the routine process, the EveryLife Foundation for Rare Disease reports. These findings…

Health advocacy can help improve the quality and accessibility of care for patients with rare disorders like Pompe disease. Following is information about patient advocacy in general, and Pompe disease specifically, and why it is important for patients, caregivers and family members. What is Pompe disease? Pompe disease is a…

Patients with Pompe disease may need constant care. Providing such care can be mentally, physically, and emotionally depleting for a caregiver. Sooner or later, you will need to refuel your body and mind. Respite care can give you the chance to rest, relax, and restore. About Pompe disease Pompe disease…

Caring for a loved one with a rare disease, especially during these uncertain times, demands significant time, attention, patience, and dedication. To help meet that need, the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)’s Rare Caregiver Respite Program may be a helpful resource. The program seeks to give a…

If your child has been diagnosed with infantile-onset Pompe disease (IOPD), you may need a multidisciplinary team of specialists to ensure the best care possible. IOPD causes a buildup of glycogen (a large sugar molecule that the body uses to store energy), due to a lack or low levels…