When I was 4 years old, I hemorrhaged after my tonsils and adenoids were removed and I was diagnosed with a qualitative platelet dysfunction. Later, a genetic test revealed my condition had never been seen or recorded in medical history.
We’ve tried all sorts of treatments, but nothing really works. I have to carry a medical bag at all times because I need to be prepared. I get nosebleeds pretty often, especially when it’s humid out or if I have any sort of sinus infection. If a bleed lasts for more than 15 minutes, I take tranexamic acid pills, and if it continues for another 15 minutes or so, I have to call the hospital.
I’m unable to play many traditional sports, so running has become my exercise of choice. I’ve run the Falmouth Road Race in Massachusetts for the last four years to raise money for the New England Hemophilia Association. I also run a lot of 5Ks around my hometown of Connecticut for fun and to stay in good shape.
I’ve been lucky enough to have had an incredible experience with the Wesleyan University men’s lacrosse team. Team IMPACT, a national nonprofit, matches kids with serious illnesses or disabilities with college teams across the country. I work out with the team, have my own lacrosse jersey, stick, and helmet, and if you go to the website, I’m actually there, on the roster. Although it’s too dangerous for me to play in a game, I’ve gotten pretty good at passing and catching at practice, and I’m always cheering from the sidelines during the games.
Making a Difference
Although I do all I can to prevent bleeds, sometimes they’re inevitable. When I was in Georgia in 2024 for a conference, I saw a bleeding control kit in the hallway. When we got back to Connecticut, I did some research, then contacted my state representative, Irene Haines, to ask her to submit legislation requiring bleeding control kits in Connecticut.
Turns out another representative, Liz Linehan, had been working on a similar bill, so we teamed up to create HB 7200, which requires bleeding control kits in public spaces and buildings across the state, promotes bleeding control training, and provides certification credit for first responders in Connecticut.
In March 2025, when I was 13, I testified in front of the Connecticut Public Safety and Security Committee, where I asked them to pass HB 7200. I was a little intimidated to speak in front of such a big group, but I’m also pretty used to public speaking. I’m the president of our local 4-H club, and I have to speak in front of our group all the time. And as a club, we do a lot of public speaking.
Many kids think they’re not capable of making change, but I’m proud of my involvement in HB 7200, which was signed into law by the governor in June 2025. If something’s important to you, do your research, and don’t be quiet about it. Kids can make a difference.