Featured on Hashtag Our Stories

Hey friends! It's been a while. To be honest, not much has changed in terms of my healthcare and physical status. I'm still taking the same medications, and pursing an active and healthy gym and fitness lifestyle. I'm so blessed to be in the season I am in, and my labs look great! Home life is the best it's ever been, and the wife and I are still traveling and going to the theme parks regularly here in Orlando, FL. 

One thing that is new is I'm currently seeking treatment on my lower back by way of chiropractic care. My first appointment is on Thursday (two days from the date of this post), so I'm a little anxious about how treatment will go for a severe hemophiliac. To be honest, my back could use some major work. Having one leg shorter than the other from a lifetime of target joint bleeds in my right knee, my entire right leg is a half inch shorter than my left. This is because there is no spacing in the joint to cushion impact like a healthy joint's synovium has. My right knee is literally bone to bone. So I will update you guys on the progress there after my appointment. Fingers crossed! 

As the title suggests, I was recently featured on the mobile journalism platform, Hashtag Our Stories. It's founded by Yusuf Omar, and basically allows users to share their stories of triumph, hardship and really peels back the veil from mainstream media bringing new light to how stories of individuals are told and shared. Their stories are shared on social media platforms like SnapChat, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter as opposed to mainstream network media. 

In honor of World Hemophilia Day, which was on April 17th, 2022 this year, I was approached by Hashtag Our Stories to record and share my full unbridled story. Below is the video the 3 and a half minute video their editors put together. I've gotten a range of emotional responses, and a wealth of love and support for being so transparent. But, it's not my story, but God's story. God is using my hardships to help comfort the lives of those hurting, with questions and seeking counsel about their own diagnosis. I pray this video will steer your in the right path, and encourage all who watch it let me know your thoughts. My DM's are always open. 

Webinar on Blab September 28th, 2015 - 1PM EST

Brett from Next Big Thing Radio, interviewed me last night about my upcoming ‪#‎webinar‬ on ‪#‎Hemophilia‬, ‪#‎HIV‬ and ‪#‎HepatitisC‬. I encourage you to watch this video and join me live on September 28th, 1PM Eastern. Subscribe ➼ https://blab.im/bqetva

Live Educational Interactive Webinar on Blab September 28th, 2015 - 1PM EST

Join “#iStrive2Thrive” founder & advocate for ‪#‎hemophilia‬, ‪#‎HIV‬ and‪#‎HepatitisC‬, Joseph Burke live on ‪#‎Blab‬! WEB ADDRESS : http://BLAB.IM/BQETVA on September 28th, 2015 at 1PM Eastern. Ask the difficult questions in an all new innovative and interactive platform. Get an inside look into the life of living life with multiple chronic illnesses, and how face your giants head on.

Conversations With A Survivor

Join me on July 22nd, 1PM EST live on ‪#‎Periscope‬, as I tackle some of your questions in real time about living with ‪#‎Hemophilia‬, ‪#‎HIV‬ and ‪#‎HepatitisC‬. Periscope is a mobile app, and is totally free to download, no ads or quirky gimmicks. Be sure to add @istrive2thrive as a follower so you'll get a notification that I'm live! Like, follow and help me share this awareness and advocacy event. 

One Year Ago Today, A Reflection of Life

I officially obtained my one year "post liver treatment" lab results early this morning, marking my official one year anniversary of ending treatment on Sovaldi and Ribavirin. I ended treatment on July 7th, 2014. After one year of completing the toxic regimen, the virus remains "Undetected," which means the my Hepatitis C is 100% medically, officially and without question gone for good.

It's a little overwhelming to know that I don't have to face one of my dreaded fears of liver transplant, ESLD (end stage liver disease) or cirrhosis. I always projected my life going downhill in my late 30's based on how many years I actually had Hepatitis C and the estimated pattern of how the virus was attacking my liver, which was pretty regular. But now, God has gave me a new sense of normal, I'm cured. I don't take this cure for granted, and I walk each day with a new fresh perspective, and certainly with a sense of humility for the extended years added.

I remember a deep conversation I had with my wife before we exchanged vows, and in that late night discussion, I told Alexandra some things she should be prepared for concerning my health, age and overall well being. I recall that night being tearful, sorrowful and painful. But true love conquers all barriers that life hurls at us. Thankfully, she stuck with me, and now, the cure has happened. All those dark disturbing things we talked about won't happen the way I envisioned my life to progress. Even though it was my job to inform Alexandra the consequences, she loved me regardless, despite the difficulties and trying times, that's the power of "real love."

Quotes from Joseph Burke

When I first met my wife in 2008, my mind was so fixated on the "what if's" and the "could be's" instead of what God can truly do with a little patience. That was the life lesson I was taught by the Big Man upstairs, patience and forbearance. I treated once in 2006 for 24 weeks on Ribavirin and Interferon injections, to ultimately relapse 3 weeks after treatment ended. I had very little expectation going into this new treatment on Sovaldi, but despite my fears, it worked! No more fixations and daydreaming about my life spiraling out of control as my liver fails. It's pretty overwhelming, even as I write this, as the tears of rejoicing just flow.

I recall my wife telling me often, that she was praying for my cure. She frequently reminded me in church and home that her one main prayer was for the cure to happen. Above all else, she wanted her husband around, and the moment that prayer was answered, and God showed up, was mind blowing.

I'm fortunate, lucky and persevered through the trying times that us hemophiliacs faced in the 1980's and 1990's. It wasn't easy being a bleeder with HIV and Hepatitis C in those days. The stereotypes imprinted from the negative press are still very relevant today, but it's my job through this blog and "I Strive 2 Thrive" to educate the masses, and offer hope to those who suffer with my illnesses. It's enough to have hemophilia alone, but combine HIV, chronic pain and my now my cure of Hepatitis C, I've become empowered to educate those who still have those uneducated beliefs about any of the illnesses I endure daily.

This win may be of science, and the pharmaceutical company Gilead for manufacturing Sovaldi, but the real win here is one for God. He allowed me endure just a little longer, become married, and through that I learned patience and a deeper understanding of who I am, and whose I am. I count my blessings daily, and don't take each breath for granted. This cure has empowered me to help and enrich others lives, and do it with love that only comes from God. Today marks two anniversaries in my life, my parent's 37th wedding anniversary and the one year anniversary of my cure. Funny how God does that right, almost like a wink and pat on the back as I'm reminded how truly awesome He is.

A Video Testimony

Joseph is not only a survivor of the horrors during the dark days of the pharmaceutical industry, but a living miracle by medical standards. Born with severe Hemophilia Type A (less than 1% clotting factor in the bloodstream), the very product used to treat the blood disease (Anti-Hemophiliac Factor VIII) to many became a death sentence in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Plasma pools were riddled with live HIV and Hepatitis C strains from skid-row and prison locations. As a result, Joseph became co-infected (both HIV & HCV) around age 3, trailing a life of extended hospital stays, appointments and never-ending infusions sessions. Today, less than 1.8% of the 12,000 hemophiliacs in the United States are alive. Joseph is one of those fortunate warriors to carry the torch and be that voice for those who no are no longer with us. In 2014, Joseph underwent extensive liver treatment on the new drug called Sovaldi, and within four weeks of a six month therapy, his Hepatitis C virus was no more. Today, Joseph shares his life, struggles and realities of living with debilitating complications resulting from hemophilia related injuries, and maintains a healthy lifestyle with a well controlled HIV anti-viral suppression regimen. He is unique, unfiltered and a survivor; and it's for that reason God is using his life in a major way.

Refined By Fire

Sorry I haven't posted in the past month, it's been a roller coaster lately, but in a good way. I had a doctor's appointment two weeks ago on February 24th, and for the first time, my infectious disease doctor Katherine Smith uttered those words I've been longing to hear since I started Sovaldi last year: "You're Cured!"

Living life post-treatment is one thing knowing your labs are looking great, but hearing those goal achieving words uttered for the first time gave me so much confidence going into one year post-treatment. This time last year, I was very ill from side effects of the regimen I was on. I was reflecting on some of my older posts from Easter 2014, and multiple ER visits along with numerous side effects leaves me with only one conclusion; we are "refined by fire." The human spirit is a strong and powerful mechanism.

July 7th of this year, I will officially be one full year post-treatment. A few of my friends, locally and online, have had some serious issues since concluding their Sovaldi regimens, one of which is the dreaded relapse. A friend of mine, younger lady, late 20's from church, treated on Sovaldi and Ribavirin just as I did last year, but relapsed. She, like myself, was a geno-type 3a, I've been offering some moral support and council for her just this past week, and it seems to be effective. Whether I relapse or remain undetected at one year is pretty much a waiting game and in God's hands. I've accepted both outcomes and am ready to tackle whatever it is next I have to do. 

Nothing in life is earned by our own merit. You don't just wake up one day and be automatically cured of a life altering illness. Struggles are a part of life, so are disease and illness. If the human condition is never constantly tested, how are we to be refined and made better? I'm a leader at my church for a weekly event called "Real Men." One of the questions I'm asked most, why do bad things happen to good people? My response is usually simple and forward: "Because they have to." In 1 Peter 1:7, Peter writes, "so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 

So when you're in that moment, the world is crashing in, all hope is lost, instead of giving ourselves a pity party, we need to stand up and dust ourselves off and move forward. Life is one continual refining of our condition, to make us stronger and more courageous for the next trial, and the trial after that.

One of my favorite musical writers and performers just this past week announced on social media he has a solid mass in his right kidney, and doctors are 90% sure it's cancer. Mark Hall of Grammy award winning Casting Crowns, made the announcement about his condition. But like the very song Mark penned in 2006 'Praise You In This Storm', "I was sure by now God You would have reached down And wiped our tears away Stepped in and saved the day But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining..."

One thing I can say, I am at a truly peaceful moment of life. Rejoicing in my cure and striving towards July for the one year post-treatment lab results. I can't say it's been an easy road, truth is, it's been anything but smooth. The roller coaster of life has peaks, dips, turns, 360's and maybe even a few slow points, but my advice for those reading this, be ready for anything. Life isn't about what we define it to be, it's about giving God glory in season and out. So with each struggle, our life is being refined physically, mentally and spiritually for our betterment. In the heat of the moment, we don't see the lesson, but just know we have to be refined by fire in order to come out shining like gold. 

I'm Rebooting

Today, July 28th, is #WorldHepatitisDay, and as we mark today with global awareness, I want to share some pretty awesome news from a visit to my liver doctor today. I had a follow up visit with my Hepatitis C physician Dr. Katherine Smith in Orlando, Florida. It's been over a month since I last seen in her clinic, and this visit was my "post treatment" visit. The virus still remains undetected at the end of therapy, and I will follow up with Dr. Smith on October 20th for my 3 month post treatment visit. Here is a look at my recent lab sheet from the viral analysis.

I told the doctor about a few symptoms I've been having; restlessness, insomnia (mind going a million MPH), and, not to be too informative on this one, but for the sake of the #HCV community I'll list it, diarrhea. She said it was not uncommon for patients who have totally cleared the virus to experience waves of energy, motivation and strive. and the restlessness and energy at night is my body attempting to adjust to a new normal. For so long my body has been used to fatigue, lethargy and a general run down sluggish feeling that I haven't had much energy to do much day to day. Now, I'm hard wired to and ready to plow ahead. As for the random moments of dysentery, same thing applies in my digestive tract as well. My body is rebooting from the inside out. My liver is regenerating, my metabolism is rebuilding itself, my digestive tract is adjusting to a new function of normality, something I'm not used to. Dr. Smith stated that over time, the body will eventually level out, and my symptoms will become less and less enhanced as the weeks go on post treatment. Pretty amazing stuff. I never fathomed my body literally healing and regenerating, but now, it's really happening. I'm a new man, walking in a light and a new victory, leaving my dragon to nothing more than ashes of ruin and a vague memory in the vastness of the future that lies ahead.

As if my life couldn't get any better, this research was published on July 21st, 2014 about a possible upcoming cure in the fight against HIV/AIDS. As if my life couldn't get any more fantastic, the actual word cure and HIV are now being spoken in the same sentence, and the research is under way. Take a moment to watch this amazing and informative video on the new science that could possibly make HIV a thing of the past. To read the official release from the research at Temple University, click here.

The 2014 Polar Plunge For Hemophilia Awareness

Truly an act of love and awareness for ‪#‎Hemophilia‬. My darling family in South Carolina, specifically Regina Bell Baltzegar has took a polar plunge in my honor and for Hemophilia Awareness. The words flee me my dear. I have never in my life had anyone do something so sweet, kind and funny in honor of Hemophilia or me in general. I am so blessed to have such amazing family that love me. Feeling really humble right now.

Day 67, Aloe Vera Juice To The Rescue

Well, the mild but subtle side effects continue on. After dinner tonight, I had an overwhelming pain and pressure in my upper chest. Almost felt like my heart was going to blow right out of my chest cavity. Luckily, and thank God, my wife is a Registered Nurse, and she assessed me and ruled out any sort of heart related issues, which only left GERD or acid reflux, which I have been having on and off while on treatment. But tonight, man... the worse night I've had in a long while with acid reflux. After taking two Gaviscon tablets (no relief), then taking my prescribed Protonix (no relief), the only tool in the box left was raw pure Aloe Vera juice. If you suffer with acid reflux, indigestion, GERD, irritable bowels, diarrhea, constipation or anything involving the digestive tract, then Aloe Vera Juice is the answer you're looking for. Within 2 minutes of drinking 8oz of the juice straight up, I felt the cooling and the acid neutralize in my stomach, and the heart throbbing sensations in my neck and chest finally went away. Keep in mind, the stuff tastes down right atrocious, so I recommend mixing it with a grape or cranberry juice to control the harshness. I'm accustomed to it, so I drink it straight up (don't breath, hold your breath and down the hatch). I keep a gallon of this juice in the fridge at all times, even before treatment we keep it stocked up just for such occasions. Take it from someone has has multiple stomach issues, and also my wife who swears by the stuff; within 2 minutes, RELIEF!

Day 64, Morning Sickness

I realize the title is a bit misleading, but it actually is bearing true for me today. I woke up this morning with a very unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach, and I haven't eaten a lot today because of this queasy feeling. My alarm went off this morning like it always does to remind me to take my morning dose of Ribavirin. But this morning was a little different. I awoke to a unsettling feeling, and waves of nausea. It was the Ribavirin wreaking havoc again on my stomach. The hardest part about this morning was the fact I knew I had to drink water, and eat something small so I wouldn't become even more sickened from taking Ribavirin on an empty stomach having just woke up. It was literally all I could this morning to eat a granola bar. Every bite was gut wrenching, as waves of nausea hit me. I'd chew small bites, then stop for a couple minutes. Take another small bite, then stop. Finally I got through the whole bar, and my morning dose was down the hatch. 

The hard part, just two hours later, I had to eat lunch so I could take my other antiviral medications, two of which require some sort of substance to help with proper pill absorption. Knowing what I was up against, I bit the bullet and ended up taking a Zofran tablet to combat my waves of stomach sickness. It helped... some. Even the smell of food makes my stomach turn upside down... Icky feeling indeed.

Lunch today was light, and no pun intended on word play, but a bit hard to swallow. But, knowing I had no choice and I had to literally force myself to eat (which I didn't feel like doing), I did it anyway. When you're up against a wall, and you know you have to take something to save your life, at the end of the day it becomes mind over matter, in this case will power over bodily nausea. Is it easy? I wish... Nothing in life is easy, but surviving and thriving to me is worth fighting for. There is a reason why I'm on liver treatment, there is a season why I am suffering, and a purpose to which I must be refined and endure. I may not understand the scope of the situation now in the present, but one day, I can glimpse back and reflect on this time in my life when I fought dragons, and won! Even tonight as I write this, just an hour after taking my last nightly dose of Ribavirin, I'm still somewhat unsettled in the gut. My face is also a little flush. I may have to take another anti-nausea tablet to help with overnight. I was reading tonight in James 5:16 (NIV), "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." Continue to pray for me, and I will do the same in return, and remember, every day / every pill / every dose.

I Strive 2 Thrive The Video Testimony

One man's struggle to overcome obstacles and challenges he was born with, and how God delivered him from a towering giant of persecution, rejection and self doubt. Many said I couldn't get married, I couldn't work, I couldn't thrive, my life would be cut short, but Christ had other plans. #istrive2thrive

Day 60 of Sovaldi

Day 60, and it feels just like a week ago I began treatment with Sovaldi and Ribavirin. My current dosing for treatment is Sovaldi one tablet daily, 800mg of Ribavirin daily; 400mg in the morning and 400mg at night, and I take Sovaldi mid day around 4-5PM. It's not been an easy road, and side effects to this day still come and go, but no where near as severe as they initially were at the beginning of therapy. Hope you enjoy the video, and be sure to check out my Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube pages!

Day 59, 2 Months Complete

Yesterday I started Sovaldi bottle #3 which means I just finished two full months of therapy. It's mind boggling to think that in my mind, it seems as if I just began liver treatment only a few days ago, but that's how life and being busy goes. Before I know it, therapy will have ended, and I can simply move forward from this phase of my life with a breath of fresh air and new light. Still no side effects, and nothing new to report. But I'm going to take this chance to give some Praise to my Boss upstairs.

I was thinking the other day about our lives, and how we all get caught up in the rhetoric of life; the unending cycle of events, obligations, appointments and commitments. I was listening to a song from the new Casting Crowns album called Thrive, and truly we were made for so much more than just ordinary lives, we were made in God's image, an image to Thrive. This song kind of goes perfectly along with my "I Strive to Thrive" aspect of life these days, that we're meant to do so much more. Proverbs 11:28 says, "Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf." This challenges me, invigorates me to do more, impact more and let God do more through my life and hands. With this liver treatment, not only with second chances be given, but a chance for my roots, tree and body to thrive in Christ. Trust me, not a day goes by that I don't reflect upon my own healing, and give account to truly where the miracle came from. Doctor's and scientists may have invented the drug, but God gave them the wisdom to change lives, and in a way the seeds were planted of knowledge, and they came along and water the ground and the drug Sovaldi came to be. Today, make it your primary focus to thank God for all He's done for you, whether it be healing, marriage or finances. Even more, Praise Him for the trials you're going through, because it's those trials that will mold you to be the child of God you were destined to be. We all have to be refined by the fire of life before we can truly begin to shine like a diamond for God and this world.

Day 54, Literally No Side Effects

I assume my body has finally adapted to liver treatment, as for the past few weeks I've had no side effects at all. Early on I reported brain fog, some difficult to describe sensations in my head and some muscle cramping/aching. But now, 2 months into treatment, I feel fine, refreshed and rejuvenated. I have my typical bouts of lethargy that hit me after lunch hour, the mid-day slum, but other than that, feeling fantastical. It's amazing how well the body adapts to medications over time. But I also know beyond any doubt, the Good Lord in Heaven is guiding me through this entire process, so I know He's probably looking out for my best interest.

The cold sore on my lip is doing much better after doing a topical ointment treatment on it. It's finally crusted over and in the healing phase now. Those things are so annoying and painful, especially in the corner of you mouth on your bottom lip. I purchased the highly recommended $20 tube of ointment from CVS called Abreva, and it's specifically for cold sore topical care. It's a lot cheaper on Amazon.com, but when you're suffering from cold sore, you need relief ASAP, so I couldn't wait for the whole shipping process. The stuff actually works, it's cut in half what a normal cold episode would take to heal. So, I highly recommend this product if you're like me and get the occasional cold sore on the lip.

 Just an FYI to my online friends who follow me on these blogs and this journey together, I've starting a Facebook page, Google+ and Twitter account for "I Strive 2 Thrive." God's really been speaking to me lately, and this will be the title of my autobiographical journals and memoirs when I'm done with my book. Please take a moment to Like and Follow me on both networks to help spread the word about my therapy, testimony and blogs.

       

Day 51, Cold Sore

I was in Cape Coral and noticed a tingle on my lip. This particular spot on my lip has been prone over the past few years to be a target spot for cold sores. I had chicken pox when I was kindergarten and then around age 22 came down with a round of shingles around my abdomen. Weird to have it so young? Not when you have a compromised immune system on top of treating a liver damaging virus. The initial bump, which appeared to be nothing more than acne, healed and went away. But today, that tingle was back, and this time with 4 more bumps around the old one. I knew right away it was my old friend, the cold sore coming back. Now, I'm not sure if this has anything to do with my liver therapy, a coincidence or just my luck of the draw, but at any rate, I have to treat it. So I got some topical ointment from CVS, which was $20 a tube, and started treating it tonight. What's interesting, I haven't had this cold sore thing in over 4 years. It's been a long time because my body and immunity have doing very well. But all of a sudden, oddly, in correlation with liver treatment, this cold sore aka (herpes labialis), is now throbbing on my bottom lip. No I don't have herpes, HAHA! That's just the name of the chicken pox/shingles/fever blister virus that lies dormant in your body regardless of your age. Luckily for me, it's shaped like a hidden Mickey... GO FIGURE!

Aside from this, I am doing incredibly well on liver treatment. No side effects to report, headaches, brain fog and that delusional feeling has seemed to slowly fade away as my body adjusts to the treatment; I know show no signs of ANY side effects. I am 5 days from finishing bottle #2 and month 2, and pretty excited to finish bottle 3 as that will be the halfway point, and another round of lab work.

Day 49, A Time To Recharge, Reflect & Reboot

This 4 day get-away has been such a blessing for me, and could not have come at a more perfect time in my life. This past Friday, I received bottle #3 of Sovaldi, and came to the realization that my journey on this new therapy is almost at the midway point, and I'm halfway home. Just a few more days and tablets separate me from completing bottle #2, and then it's onto bottle 3 and month #3 of therapy. With that being said, a weekend trip to Cape Coral, Florida to visit my in-laws has been a breath of fresh air, long nights of rest and just downtime that I've been needing to catch up on my thoughts and reflect over the past few months since starting treatment for my liver.

To those who are close to me, know that for the past 8 years, I've been working and reworking on my life's story in autobiographical form. Last night, I took a long hard look at things, and realized I needed to not focus entirely on my story, but God's story through my life. With that vital epiphany now a prominent part of my everyday life, letting God lead and being his vessel for His testimony, I sat down for the first time in over 6 months and took a refreshing look at the story I had conceptualized before. I spent several hours last night, up to 2AM, brainstorming ideas, and renaming, rearranging and adding new chapters, new stories and content. It wasn't until this past Winter that I realized the biggest part of my testimony, the Dragon Slaying of the HCV, was probably the highlight of my life. Now, I don't have to worry about facing a liver transplant, cirrhosis or end stage liver disease; even worse liver cancer. Having slayed this dragon with the help of God my Father, and the miracle drug Sovaldi, I have done and continue to do just that day to day. I re-wrote many of my chapters, and made an all new chapter outline of my story, this time with focus on my healing, story, but a greater focus on God and living the life we were called to live.

With all of this, now my wife is starting a new job on March 24th as a marketing rep for a healthcare company, and for the first time in her 7 year hospital working career, she can have freedom to work at her own pace, spend more time with me at home with a M-F job, and weekends/Holidays off. It's a Godsend. March has already been a breathtaking month, with my undetected status at week 4, to my wife's new job, to a re-visioning of my memoirs, God surely has blessed my family, and continues to do so. Sure there's "bumps in the road" as my mom always says, but it's nothing my God can't handle, so I leave my struggles up to Him and I focus on more important matters than fear, doubt or worry. Psalm 55:22 (NIV) states, "Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."

Day 47, Counting My Blessings

Floridian Sunset March 7, 2014

Yesterday was one of those days where God just poured out a bounty of blessings for both my wife and I. She just got the news of a new job and starts work on March 24th. After over 6 years working as a floor nurse in the hospital, she finally gets a chance to spread her wings a little and become independent as a nurse and marketing rep for a Southern based home healthcare company. Combined with my recent good news of being clear of HCV and undetected, we came down to visit with family in Fort Myers area of Florida, 3 and a half hours south of Orlando. It's Saturday, and already I feel rejuvenated, refreshed and well rested. I got a full 8 hours of sleep last night, and spent the morning reading my daily bible devotional and reflecting on how awesome God truly is. This weekend, this get-away, is all about hitting the pause button from our busy lives, and catching our breath. A refresher if you will.

I was reading Psalm 84:2 this morning, and it says, "My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God." In a generation where try to thrive, obligations and commitments tie us down, even in those moments our very beings cry out for the truths and righteousness that is only from God. Don't let the world cloud your joy in serving God, in any capacity! Rather let your joy shine like a beacon through the overcast sitatuations to clearer horizons ahead.

Day 44, Break Every Chain

This video reminds me a lot of the my own walk, journey and the struggles of dealing with one's own mortality. With tears of joy this morning, I write from my heart on how blessed I am. With this new found hope in my liver treatment, the miracle drug of Sovaldi, my chains have been broken, I've been set free from the prison that Hepatitis C had on my mind and liver. No longer do I have to worry about undergoing a liver transplant or do I have to fear the worst of end stage liver disease. The song states, "There's an army rising up." It reminds me of the people who have been on this journey with liver disease, dealing with HCV and now taking this new medication, there's hope and truly an army of dragon slayers rising up out of their own ashes like a glorious phoenix. This morning, I praise God, I worship His name and give Him all the glory for my liver therapy, because of Him, I can live to tell my story with everyone. This is the gift that has been granted to me, a second chance, and Hallelujah my chains and shackles are broken and I'm free from this wretched disease. Sometimes, I just need to praise His name for all He's done for me. Whether I get cured or not, I praise Him for this season of reflection, understanding and patience. Amen!

Day 43, March is Hemophilia Awareness Month

Every March is time for reflection, in the advancements made, we count the losses from those who lost battles, and we pray/hope/dream of one day having a cure for hemophilia;  or at least leaps forward in treatment options and therapies. Many people don't truly know what Hemophilia is, how it's passed from mother to child, and the complications of the disease stemming from the individual. In the 80's, many Hemophiliacs were subject to the horrors of the pharmaceutical world, and even great terror of parents administering what was thought to be a life saving infusion, and injection of death. The 80's gave us the "Hemophilia Holocaust," and it was well documented in the amazing work by Marilyn Ness in the film, Bad Blood; (Bad Blood is on NetFlix as a Streaming Movie) As a result, Hemophiliacs worldwide who contracted HIV, Hepatitis C (or both) from negligence that could have been prevented. So in March 1986, President Ronald Regan signed into law the Proclamation 5442, that from that point forward, the world and nation would remember the small 12,000 group of Hemophiliacs that were infected and left to suffer.

As some of you know, I am now treating my HCV, and just recently for the first time in my life am walking around with no virus attacking my liver, and undetected thanks to the miracle drug combo of Sovaldi and Ribavirin. By the end of my 6 month treatment, I will be walking away a new man, with a new outlook on life and ready to tackle the world without the cloud of the sleeping dragon attacking my liver hanging over my head. I too was a victim in the 80's, but that doesn't mean I need to sit by and not let my voice and testimony be heard from my walk. When you see me, you see proof that God works wonders and miracles in modern day, don't deny it. I should not be here, but somehow, by His Grace and Mercy, I'm here to tell the tale and share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

So to my fellow fallen soldiers, I take this moment to reflect on my own losses and gains, and focus ahead to a brighter future filled with joy, longevity and God's Grace.