Cheryl Blackwell-Johnson and her husband, Michael, watch a sunset at Baltimore's historic Inner Harbor.
Cheryl Blackwell-Johnson was diagnosed with Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) at the age of 15. HAE is a rare disease that can cause swelling in certain parts of the body, such as the stomach, hands and face. The swelling can be painful and, in some cases, life threatening. It’s also genetic, meaning it runs in families. Cheryl has 15 family members with HAE and credits them and her husband, Michael, with helping her manage the condition. “We stay in touch with each other to ensure everyone is doing what they’re supposed to do,” she said.
