The Gaucher Guide to Grace — Rivka Silver

Rivka Silver holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology from Bar-Ilan University and lives in Israel. She was diagnosed with Gaucher disease in 2020 at age 21. She’s married and recently became a mom to a baby boy. Through her column, Rivka wants to be open about the joys and challenges of navigating motherhood with a genetic condition.

Columns

Building nutritional habits that support life with Gaucher disease

Living with Gaucher disease means I always have a strong awareness of my body in all its functions. Bone health, energy levels, and long-term stability aren’t abstract ideas — they’re part of my daily calculations, even when I’m considered “stable.” Recently, I finished a nutrition course, not because…

Columns

As a mother, I have to take care of myself as well as my child

A couple of weeks ago, I faced a moment that many parents, especially those living with chronic illness, will recognize all too well. As a mom with Gaucher disease, I receive infusions every other week. And with a 10-month-old who’s constantly on the move, I’m always juggling how to…

Columns

A holistic approach to healthcare helps me live well with Gaucher

Living with Gaucher disease often means relying on medication. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is the foundation of my symptom management. But while ERT plays a vital role in my health, I’ve come to believe that it’s not the only key to me feeling better. In fact, focusing solely…

Columns

Yes, I have Gaucher disease, but I don’t feel ‘sick’

As someone who is generally healthy and asymptomatic, I often feel like my Gaucher disease is tucked away in the back of my mind. Sometimes it creeps back in, reminding me, “Hey, I’m still here” — like when I get my infusion every other week or when my…

Columns

Motherhood allows no time for a break, even with Gaucher

There are no vacation days when you’re a mom. If infusions once meant chilling on the couch, taking a nap, or watching my favorite TV show, today they look quite different for me. My baby, for instance, is almost 9 months old, and while we try to explain that…

Columns

My unexpected diagnosis with Gaucher disease type 1

When most people imagine being diagnosed with a disease, they picture a cold, sterile doctor’s office and a somber physician delivering bad news. But my story didn’t start like that. I was a healthy kid with no red flags, no strange symptoms, and no reason to think I might have…


Explore more columns