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Finding the Missing Piece: One man’s journey to a von Willebrand disease diagnosis
Frank, a 65-year-old man, spent decades suffering from von Willebrand disease (VWD) without a diagnosis. His journey, marked by severe bleeds and uncertainty, changed when his granddaughter was diagnosed with VWD. This discovery led to Frank’s diagnosis and treatment with VONVENDI, which allows him to better manage his condition and regain control of his life.
Last Updated on October 19, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Finding the Missing Piece: One man’s journey to a von Willebrand disease diagnosis
(Family Features) “I wanted to live my life like there was nothing wrong, but the fear was always there.”
That’s how 65-year-old Frank described life with von Willebrand disease (VWD), the most common bleeding disorder, affecting more than 3 million Americans.
For Frank, the signs started early with nosebleeds so severe they seemed unstoppable. In his 30s, one gastrointestinal bleed required nearly 7 pints of blood to stabilize him – a staggering amount, considering most adults only have 8-12 pints total.
Life with VWD can mean living in constant uncertainty. Any injury, surgery or even simple dental procedure can trigger a dangerous bleed. Symptoms like frequent bruising or heavy menstrual bleeding in women can affect quality of life. The consequences for Frank, even before his diagnosis, were often urgent and life-threatening.
Hospital visits and bleeds became routine, draining both his body and spirit. Frank lost weight, struggled with temperature swings and each trip home from the hospital felt like borrowed time before his next bleeding episode.
Eventually, his body began rejecting the blood transfusions meant to treat him during these mysterious bleeding episodes – a complication known as hemolytic anemia. With few options left, Frank and his partner, Carla, faced a future filled with fear and uncertainty, unsure how much longer his body could keep going.
Journey to a Diagnosis
Like many living with VWD, Frank spent years searching for answers – managing symptoms without understanding their cause. Bleeds came without warning. Triggers were a mystery. A diagnosis felt out of reach.
Through it all, Frank and Carla were their own fiercest advocates. Carla became his second set of eyes and ears by researching symptoms, writing down questions and sitting beside him in countless exam rooms.
“I realized when he was in the hospital, I must be there with him,” Carla said. “I needed to be there when the doctors and the nurses were talking to him. I slept in his room to be there for morning rounds to make sure everyone had the correct information.”
For years, they pressed on without answers or an official diagnosis until 2013, when everything changed.
Frank’s granddaughter was diagnosed with VWD, which they learned is a hereditary bleeding disorder. In that moment, something clicked. After decades of uncertainty, Frank finally had a clue and a connection.
He and Carla immediately sought out VWD education. Testing confirmed what they suspected: Frank had been living with VWD all along.
“Getting the diagnosis was a turning point,” Frank said. “For the first time, we weren’t just waiting for the next bleed – we finally had a way to take control.”
A Path Forward
Frank finally found hope and a path forward. After discussing which treatment option may be right for him with his health care team, Frank began using VONVENDI® [von Willebrand factor (Recombinant)] on-demand to treat and control his bleeding episodes.
VONVENDI is the only von Willebrand factor (VWF) treatment made without human blood or plasma with approved uses in both adults and children with VWD. For someone whose body had begun rejecting transfusions, having a recombinant option was important. But more than that – it worked for Frank.
“Since starting VONVENDI, I feel like I finally found the right path forward for me,” Frank said. “I can control my bleeds when they happen, and I have a plan in place to treat the next one.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved an expanded indication for VONVENDI, which is now indicated for adults and children with VWD to treat and control bleeding episodes (on-demand), to prevent excessive bleeding during and after surgery (perioperative) and for adult patients only, to reduce the number of bleeding episodes when used regularly (prophylaxis). Please see below for Detailed Important Risk Information or click here for the full Prescribing Information.
With this expanded indication, VONVENDI can now help more patients like Frank – not just control bleeds but also try to prevent them. Frank and Carla know there’s no cure, but for the first time in a long time, they have a plan to address Frank’s VWD bleeds.
Visit VONVENDI.com or speak with your doctor to learn more about VWD and discuss if treatment may be right for you.
VONVENDI [von Willebrand factor (Recombinant)] Important Information
What is VONVENDI?
VONVENDI is used in adults and children with von Willebrand disease to:
- treat and control bleeding episodes
- prevent excessive bleeding during and after surgery
For adult patients only:
- reduce the number of bleeding episodes when used regularly (prophylaxis)
Detailed Important Risk Information
Who should not use VONVENDI?
You should not use VONVENDI if you:
- Are allergic to any ingredients in VONVENDI.
- Are allergic to mice or hamsters.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding because VONVENDI may not be right for you.
How should I use VONVENDI?
Your first dose of VONVENDI for each bleeding episode may be administered with a recombinant factor VIII as instructed by your healthcare provider.
Your healthcare provider will instruct you whether additional doses of VONVENDI with or without recombinant factor VIII are needed.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before I use VONVENDI?
You should tell your healthcare provider if you:
- Have or have had any medical problems.
- Take any medicines, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, such as over-the-counter medicines, supplements or herbal remedies.
- Have any allergies, including allergies to mice or hamsters.
- Are breastfeeding. It is not known if VONVENDI passes into your milk and if it can harm your baby.
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if VONVENDI can harm your unborn baby.
- Have been told that you have inhibitors to von Willebrand factor (because VONVENDI may not work for you).
- Have been told that you have inhibitors to blood coagulation factor VIII.
What else should I know about VONVENDI and von Willebrand Disease?
Your body can form inhibitors to von Willebrand factor or factor VIII. An inhibitor is part of the body’s normal defense system. If you form inhibitors, they may stop VONVENDI or factor VIII from working properly.
Consult with your healthcare provider to make sure you are carefully monitored with blood tests for the development of inhibitors to von Willebrand factor or factor VIII.
What are the possible side effects of VONVENDI?
You can have an allergic reaction to VONVENDI.
Call your healthcare provider right away and stop treatment if you get a rash or hives, itching, tightness of the throat, chest pain or tightness, difficulty breathing, lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea or fainting.
Side effects that have been reported with VONVENDI include: headache, nausea, vomiting, tingling or burning at infusion site, chest discomfort, dizziness, hot flashes, itching, high blood pressure, muscle twitching, unusual taste, blood clots and increased heart rate.
Tell your healthcare provider about any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see VONVENDI full Prescribing Information.
©2025 Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., 500 Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA 02142. 1-877-TAKEDA-7 (1-877-825-3327). All rights reserved. TAKEDA and the TAKEDA Logo are registered trademarks or registered trademarks of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. VONVENDI is a registered trademark of Baxalta Incorporated. US-VON-1006v1.0 10/25
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Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
Few transportation systems in the world are as instantly recognizable as the cable cars of San Francisco. Climbing steep hills with a steady hum and a nostalgic charm, these moving landmarks are more than just a tourist attraction—they’re a triumph of innovation born out of necessity.
🐎 A Problem on the Hills
In the mid-1800s, San Francisco was growing rapidly, but its geography posed a serious challenge. The city’s steep inclines made travel difficult, especially for horse-drawn streetcars, which were the primary form of public transportation at the time.
Horses often struggled to pull heavy loads uphill, and accidents were common. In some cases, animals collapsed under the strain. This dangerous and inefficient system needed a solution.
💡 The Vision of Andrew Hallidie
That solution came from Andrew Smith Hallidie, an engineer and entrepreneur who envisioned a safer, more reliable way to move people through the city.
Hallidie developed a system in which streetcars would be pulled by a continuously moving cable running beneath the street—eliminating the need for horses altogether.
⚙️ The First Cable Car Line
On August 2, 1873, Hallidie launched the world’s first cable car system: the Clay Street Hill Railroad.
This groundbreaking line proved that cable-powered transit could successfully navigate San Francisco’s steep terrain. Instead of relying on animal power, cars used a mechanical grip to latch onto a moving cable underground, allowing them to glide smoothly up and down hills.
The innovation quickly captured public attention—and demand.
🚀 A City Transformed
Following the success of the Clay Street line, cable car systems spread rapidly across San Francisco.
By the late 19th century:
- Dozens of routes crisscrossed the city
- Cable cars became the backbone of urban transportation
- The system helped shape the city’s growth and accessibility
For a time, San Francisco operated the largest and most advanced cable car network in the world.
⚡ The Rise of Electric Streetcars
Despite their success, cable cars faced competition from emerging electric streetcar systems in the early 20th century. Electric trolleys were cheaper to build and operate, and they didn’t require the complex underground cable infrastructure.
The turning point came after the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake, which destroyed much of the city—including large portions of the cable car network.
When rebuilding began, many lines were converted to electric systems instead of restoring the older cable technology.
San Francisco’s cable car system, first launched in 1873, remains the last manually operated system of its kind. According to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) , the system was designed to safely navigate the city’s steep terrain.
The cable cars are now designated as a National Historic Landmark, recognized for their cultural and engineering significance by the National Park Service .
Visitors can explore the history and mechanics of the system at the San Francisco Cable Car Museum , which preserves original equipment and archives.
🛑 Saving a Symbol
By the 1940s, cable cars were on the brink of extinction.
That’s when Friedel Klussmann stepped in. A passionate preservationist, Klussmann led a public campaign to protect the remaining lines from being dismantled.
Her efforts culminated in a successful 1947 voter referendum that ensured the survival of San Francisco’s cable cars—transforming them from everyday transit into a preserved cultural landmark.
🌉 Cable Cars Today
Today, San Francisco’s cable cars are:
- The last manually operated cable car system in the world
- A National Historic Landmark
- One of the most visited attractions in California
Three lines remain in operation:
- Powell–Hyde Line
- Powell–Mason Line
- California Street Line
While they still function as public transit, they now serve as a moving museum—connecting modern riders with the city’s past.
🎯 Why It Matters
San Francisco’s cable cars represent more than a mode of transportation. They tell a story of innovation, resilience, and community action.
From solving a practical problem to becoming a global icon, the cable car system reflects how cities adapt—and how people fight to preserve what makes them unique.
📌 “Now You Know”
San Francisco’s cable cars weren’t built for tourism—they were invented to solve a life-and-death problem on steep city streets. Today, they remain the last system of their kind anywhere in the world.
🔗 External Sources & Related Links
- SFMTA – Cable Cars Overview
- San Francisco Cable Car Museum
- National Park Service – Historic Landmark Info
- Britannica – Cable Car History
- History.com – Invention of Cable Cars
Explore the latest in innovation, AI, gadgets, startups, and digital trends in STM Daily News’ Techsection.
Last Updated on April 2, 2026 by Daily News Staff
🕒 [UPDATE] Orion Performs Translunar Injection Burn
The spacecraft has completed its critical engine burn, sending Artemis II on a trajectory toward the Moon. This marks the official start of its deep space journey.
Artemis II Successfully Launches
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA has successfully launched its Artemis II mission, marking the first crewed journey toward the Moon in more than 50 years.
The powerful Space Launch System (SLS) rocket lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on April 1, carrying four astronauts on a 10-day mission around the Moon and back.
On board are Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. The mission is already being hailed as a major milestone in NASA’s effort to return humans to deep space.
Shortly after liftoff, the Orion spacecraft successfully reached orbit and deployed its solar arrays, beginning its journey that will eventually send the crew on a translunar trajectory toward the Moon. 
Artemis II is a lunar flyby mission, meaning astronauts will not land but will travel farther from Earth than any human mission in decades while testing critical systems needed for future landings.
The mission also marks several historic firsts, including the first woman and the first person of color—Victor Glover—to travel into lunar space.
NASA says the mission is a key step toward future lunar landings and long-term plans to establish a human presence on the Moon later this decade.
🛰️ Artemis II Mission Timeline
The 10-day Artemis II mission follows a carefully planned trajectory from Earth to the Moon and back:
- Day 1: Launch and Earth orbit
- Day 1–2: Translunar injection burn
- Days 2–4: Deep space travel
- Days 4–5: Lunar flyby
- Days 5–8: Return to Earth
- Days 9–10: Reentry and splashdown
For official updates and in-depth mission details, visit the following trusted sources:
- NASA: Artemis II Mission Overview
- NASA Artemis Program (Return to the Moon)
- Orion Spacecraft – Mission Details
- Space Launch System (SLS) Rocket Overview
- Kennedy Space Center – Launch Operations
- Watch NASA Live Coverage and Replays
🧾 Sources
- NASA official launch coverage and mission updates
- NASA Artemis II press materials and briefings
- NASA Kennedy Space Center launch operations updates
Stay with STM Daily News for live updates on Artemis II.
Feeding America is marking National Agriculture Day by recognizing farmers, ranchers, and producers as key partners in the fight against hunger.
In a March 24 press release, the organization said the agricultural community plays a vital role in helping food banks and pantries deliver fresh, nutritious food to families across the country. Feeding America noted that produce, dairy, and protein are among the most requested foods by neighbors facing hunger and make up half of all food distributed through its network.
The organization said that in 2025, its network worked with growers to rescue 971 million pounds of fresh produce, helping redirect surplus food to communities in need. Feeding America also pointed to federal nutrition and farm support programs, saying government purchases from U.S. growers provide more than 20% of the food distributed through its network.
Ami McReynolds, Feeding America’s chief advocacy and community partnerships officer, said supporting farmers is directly connected to helping families access healthy meals. The organization is also urging Congress to support additional farm aid and a Farm Bill that strengthens nutrition programs.
Feeding America said a recent poll found that 95% of voters view hunger as a nonpartisan issue, reinforcing support for collaborative solutions between agriculture, food banks, and policymakers.
Related Links
Source Links
The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.
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