Float Like a Buttahfly – a Column by Kerry Wong

Living with sarcoidosis and its internal conflicts

On any given day, at any given moment, we can see signs of conflict all around us. Wars, protests, he said/she said disputes. Personally, I vacillate between watching the news every waking moment (the “Breaking News” chyron has been permanently burned into the bottom of my television screen) and avoiding…

Spreadsheets and sarcoidosis: Strategies to survive and thrive

Last week, I attended a friend’s fundraiser with my husband, our moms, and my sister. Throughout the evening, we talked about the latest shows we’d been watching, noting which series were absolutely must-see. My sister and I continued the conversation through the weekend, texting each other so many recommendations that…

Honoring this year’s Rare Disease Day any way we can

Note: This column discusses an upcoming FDA-NIH Rare Disease Day event, which planned to bring together members of the rare disease community with healthcare providers, researchers, lawmakers, and more at the NIH main campus in Bethesda, Maryland. That event has since been postponed. Stay tuned for further announcements. There’s a…

Thoughts on a doctor’s letter to chronically ill patients

I recently came across a blog post on MedPage Today titled “A Letter to Patients with Chronic Illness.” Although it was written nearly 15 years ago, it’s as relevant today as it was then, revealing oft-obscured insight into the frame of mind of our doctors. Its author, “Dr. Rob,” shares…

Looking to the future after another fall and fracture

Oops, I did it again/ I fell on the floor/ I’m in so much pain/ (Oh baby, baby)/ Now my arm’s in a cast/ Let’s hope it’s the la-a-a-ast/ I’m not that confident (sigh).  Kerry is always coordinated, even with her cast. (Courtesy of Kerry Wong) That’s how that…