Take a look Carlos’s inspiring interview and find out how he’s overcome his limitations which allows him to give back to his hemophilia community.
1. Tell us about yourself.
I am Carlos, I also go by Charlie. I’m a 32 year old severe hemophiliac born and raised in Los Angeles California. However, I am currently living in the Sierra mountains. I like factor when I need it, food and air. Oh yeah water too. I like a warm place to sleep.
2. What setbacks have you had along the way?
The set backs that I have had along the way have been minor; like ankle, elbow and hand bleeds, due to lack of preparation before a trip somewhere or just forgetting something as simple as a syringe. A major set back was when I was about 12 years old and I had a compound fracture in my right arm. I had to have a bone graft and my elbow reconstructed with metal plates and all. Another time, I just didn’t want to believe that I was a hemophiliac so I didn’t infuse the factor and as a result the bleeds became unbearable, which lead to joint damage. A lesson learned.
3. What advice would you give someone who needs motivation and encouragement?
The only advice I could give someone that needs motivation or encouragement, is to get up, get out and set a goal. It doesn’t have to be a huge goal. It can be something as simple as having a daily routine, making their bed or cooking a meal for someone. It’s always a good thing to get out of ones comfort zone to become more confident in other aspects of life. I would have them think, about what their doing and how to push themselves through any hardship. Struggles are what forge our character and make us stronger.
4. What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself?
I have no limitations. However, at one point I felt I did. I would tell myself I’m not as good as most people, or physically able as others but I have grown past that. I have learned that the only limitations I have are the ones I say I have. Therefore, as long as I don’t say them, I don’t have them. That is something that my blood brothers helped me get past, while we rafted, hard shell, kayaked and rocked climbed. These are things that doctors told me, I shouldn’t do because of my disorder. Hemophilia is a limitation that I no longer set for myself and if anything it’s become a strength. Most people worry about their hair, clothes and things that are superficial and vain.
5. How do you give back to the community?
I give back to this great community by being a part of it, by always being a blood brother to whomever is in doubt of themselves. In the past, I volunteered a lot as a camp counselor or committee member for a foundation or just helping out by cooking or collecting up gear for a rafting trip. These have been some of the best life changing and gratifying times of my life so far.
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