My Life Beyond Hemophilia - by Hey Gee (Hardcover)

About the Book

A kid's-eye view of living with hemophilia -- a blood-clotting disorder -- which, with modern preventive care, doesn't hold back an active young soccer goalie.

Book Synopsis

When you have a blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia, it's important to take precautions, especially when playing sports. But the right treatment and routines can help you stay in the game.

Author and illustrator Hey Gee brings to life an illuminating glimpse of the days and seasons of a star soccer player who has hemophilia. Created together with a real-life Mayo Clinic patient, this book highlights how a high-energy routine is possible with well-managed hemophilia, while explaining the treatments and precautions that are needed to prevent dangerous bleeding.

A beautifully illustrated approach provides a kid's-eye view of living with, and beyond, this chronic condition. Educational backmatter includes a glossary of key terms, additional information on hemophilia from the medical editor, and information about the book's creators.

Mayo Clinic Press Kids creates empowering health and wellness content in partnership with pediatric experts. Proceeds from the sale of every book go to benefit important medical research and education at Mayo Clinic.

About the Author

Guillaume Federighi, aka Hey Gee, is a French and American author and illustrator. He began his career in 1998 in Paris, France, and spent time exploring street art and graffiti in several European capitals. Since moving to New York in 2008, he has worked with many brands, developing a reputation in graphic design and illustration for his distinctive style of translating complex ideas into simple and timeless visual stories. He is also the owner and creative director of Hey Gee Studio, a full-service creative agency based in New York.

Weston, age 12, plays goalie for a traveling soccer team and also enjoys biking and climbing. When he's not at practice, games, or activities with his family, he likes to play the trombone, read, make art, and play virtual reality games. He was diagnosed with hemophilia shortly after birth and had a port in his chest for many years to receive treatment with clotting factors. Now, with a newer treatment, he gives himself injections every 28 days and no longer needs the port. He lives in Rochester, Minnesota, with his parents and brother.

Rajiv K. Pruthi, M.B.B.S., is the director of the Hemophilia Treatment Center and co-director of the Special Coagulation and Molecular Hematopathology Laboratories at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. A leading expert on diagnosis and treatment of coagulation disorders, his research focuses on advancing translational science in these areas to improve care and quality of life. His work has helped to keep young patients in school and keep older patients from missing work through advances in reducing hospitalization. Dr. Pruthi has also received numerous awards for excellence in teaching as a professor at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.