You Have the Power to Protect Me
I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease when I was 9 years old. I receive IV infusions of a Crohn’s medication at the hospital every 8…
#ActuallyAutistic Person Speaks on Vaccines
This is hard to write. How do you write to someone who despises your very existence and yet has never met you? Someone who would…
Even in a Pandemic, We Cannot Forget the Importance of Routine Immunization
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re focused on this one, novel infection. It’s almost as if time has stopped and we’ve forgotten about…
Dear Fellow Parent (An Open Letter About Autism)
I don’t want to label you an “anti-vaxxer.” That term has so many negative associations, and there is a lot more to you than that…
Anal Cancer Awareness and HPV
Editor's Note: March 21, 2020 is Anal Cancer Awareness Month. HPV causes a majority (91%) of anal cancers and is preventable through vaccination. Thank you…
Losing a Child: Unless You Lived It, You Don’t Know What It’s Like
Every year on the anniversary of Kimberly's death, her mother, Patti, bakes Italian rainbow cookies and places them on the tiny beach she's created on…
I Got Myself Vaccinated
I am part of a family of five, and neither me nor my siblings received any childhood or adolescent vaccines. My mom is somewhat of…
Noah Needs Community Immunity
Noah was two years old when we noticed that something was terribly wrong. We took him to the emergency room one night because he was…
Children with Cancer Need Vaccinated Communities
I want to tell you about the children that are impacted by those who choose not to vaccinate—children like my 4 year old grandson who…
Monogamy is No Failsafe: HPV and Cervical Cancer
Editor's note: This post deals with sexual matters, including non-consensual sexual assault and may not be suited for all audiences. I will always advocate for…