Brave Butterfly: A Hypoparathyroidism Journey - a Column by Bari Vapnek

Surviving the storm, be it a hurricane or my hypopara

“We can’t control the storms that come our way, but we can control how we navigate through them.” — Fernanda Melchor’s novel “Hurricane Season” It’s almost summer here in the Sunshine State of Florida! It’s hot, humid, and rains daily. Floridians know to bring an umbrella, SPF, and a water…

The importance of trust in life with hypoparathyroidism

“To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved.” — George MacDonald Building trust takes years, yet it can shatter in moments. This fragility can be a heavy burden. As Brian Keigley, president of Bionews (the publisher of this site), recently wrote on LinkedIn, “Trust isn’t a…

Feeling hopeful about the future of hypoparathyroidism treatment

“Knowledge is the light of the mind.” — University of Delaware’s motto May 27, 1995, was a significant day in my life. It was the day I graduated from the University of Delaware, a momentous occasion held at the school’s football stadium in Newark. The hot and sunny Memorial Day…

An awareness day that’s crucial to improving our lives

‘To be an activist is to speak. To be an advocate is to listen. Society can’t move forward without both.” —  activist Eva Maria Lewis When I was diagnosed with the rare endocrine disorder hypoparathyroidism in 1998, I felt like I was the only person in the world…

Giving the gift of hope during Mental Health Awareness Month

“Helping one person might not change the world, but it could change the world for one person.” — Anonymous Spring is my favorite season. The flowers are blooming, the temperature is ideal, and it’s an excellent time to appreciate beautiful days like today. I have spring fever! Along with tulips…

Fighting our battles with head held high

“Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.” — Charles R. Swindoll My adult children invited me to Walt Disney World for Labor Day weekend in 2023. They know I always try to make things happen when they have a request. Since they’re also…

In life with hypoparathyroidism, one size does not fit all

“No two paths are the same, just as no two people are the same.” — writer Cait Flanders My motto — “Everything happens the way it should” — expresses an acceptance that sometimes things occur beyond our control. It’s similar to the Alcoholics Anonymous philosophy of accepting things we cannot…

Life before and after a major calcium crash, when everything changed

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with Natpara (parathyroid hormone). Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao-tzu In 2016, after I experienced a…