My name is Juan, and I was born with severe Hemophilia A.

Hemophilia A is a bleeding disorder where the body lacks an important clotting protein called Factor VIII (Factor 8). For someone with severe hemophilia, what might seem like a simple bump or minor cut can become something much more serious. A bleed into the ankles, knees, or elbows can cause them to swell to the size of baseballs, making even the simplest movements painful and difficult.

Without Factor 8 replacement medication; also known as factor (which is extremely expensive) bleeds can become life-threatening. In parts of the world where treatment isn’t readily available, people with hemophilia can suffer permanent joint damage, amputations, or even death from uncontrolled bleeding.

My childhood was very different from that of most kids.

I experienced countless joint and muscle bleeds, some of which became so severe that they required surgery. My teenage years weren’t any easier. Like most teenagers, I was trying to figure out who I was, where I belonged, and how to fit in. But there were things I simply couldn’t do.

I stopped participating in gym after 7th grade. I couldn’t play sports, and I had many restrictions because my mother was understandably protective and my doctors were concerned about the physical activity causing bleeds in my joints and muscles.

For most of my life, I hid my hemophilia.

Only a handful of my friends knew, and even then, they only knew because certain situations made it difficult to keep it hidden. For a long time, I felt like I had to hide a part of myself in order to fit in.

Eventually, I became comfortable and confident in my own skin. I realized something important:

I didn’t have to fit in. I could simply be me.

And when I started being unapologetically myself, I discovered that the right people didn’t need me to fit in—they wanted to be a part of who I was.

Fast forward six kids later… and then came Alessandra.

Our baby. Our only girl in a house full of boys.

Alessandra is a carrier of the hemophilia gene, which means she can have symptoms of the bleeding disorder—and she does. As she gets older, especially as she goes through puberty and her body changes, those symptoms and challenges may change as well.

But if you know Alessandra, you know she doesn’t let anything slow her down.

She is the heartbeat of our home—energetic, full of life, and always keeping everyone on their toes. She loves to sing and dance, keeps her brothers in line, loves Cheer, and now wants to get into Karate!

And that’s where our story becomes even more meaningful.

Times have changed since I was her age.

There have been incredible advances in hemophilia treatment and care that allow children like Alessandra to live more active, inclusive lives than I was able to experience growing up.

I want her to have the opportunities I didn’t have.

I want her to know that having a bleeding disorder doesn’t define her or limit who she can become.

That’s why we’re asking you to support Alessandra—“Beba,” as we call her—as she raises awareness for Hemophilia and other bleeding disorders.

Every form of support means more than you know.

 Every click. Every share! Helps spread the word. Share my fundraising page with your friends, family and social media. Let's spread awarness so we can raise more!

 Every dollar and Donation counts. Contribute whatever you can. No amount is too small!
Every person who shows up.

We appreciate every single one.

Come walk with us on October 24th at Sam Houston Race Park in Houston, TX, from 9 AM–12 PM.

Bring your family. Invite your friends. Come help us raise awareness, support those living with bleeding disorders, and most importantly, help show Alessandra that she isn’t alone.

There will be food, fun, activities, and a DJ, so bring the whole family and come spend the morning with us!

Thank you for walking alongside us and supporting Beba. 

#HemophiliaAwareness #BleedingDisorders #HemophiliaAwarenessMonth #TeamDynamicDuo