“It was amazing. It was a great feeling, a feeling that can only come once in your lifetime, so I’m definitely taking in this moment. I’m very appreciative.” — Ji’Ayir Brown, San Francisco 49ers safety, reacting to being drafted in the third round as the 87th pick in the 2023…
Brave Butterfly: A Hypoparathyroidism Journey
— Bari Vapnek
Bari Gordon Vapnek was born in New York and relocated to Florida in 1995 after graduating from the University of Delaware with a BS in Business Administration. Hired as a director of new business development, she married in 1997 and, a year later, was diagnosed with the rare disease, hypoparathyroidism. Unaware of the implications of diagnosis, she persevered through challenging days, relying on a daily intake of calcium, her lifeline.
Having to leave her career, she became a mom, managing hypoparathyroidism and feeling isolated. In 2019 she discovered the Hypoparathyroidism Association. She became actively involved and assumed a position as a board member. Bari has written and spoken publicly about her journey. She believes her column can help those who feel isolated in their diagnosis.
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Editor’s note: This story includes a mention of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org. Internationally, find a suicide…
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