Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivan Giron
Hi Ivan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My parents immigrated to this country in the 1980s, fleeing a civil war that had deeply traumatized them with violence and abuse. This background later caused challenges in our home. I was born in 1986 in Los Angeles, California. From an early age, I faced the pressures of life head-on. I was diagnosed with a bleeding disorder called hemophilia, which limited my ability to engage in everyday activities like playing sports and being active. Despite this, I was determined not to let it hold me back, always believing I was destined for greatness.
During my childhood, I played soccer, but this caused bleeding in my right ankle due to my hemophilia. Over a few years, I developed arthritis, which further limited my mobility. I felt stressed and depressed; I hated having hemophilia. To make matters worse, my father was a violent, abusive alcoholic who would beat my mother. Growing up, I was surrounded by fear, hate, and resentment. My mother always cared for me despite everything, and I felt loved.
As a teenager, I made poor choices. I joined a local street gang to express my anger towards the world and experimented with alcohol and marijuana. By the time I was 17, my father had been convicted of a serious crime and sentenced to 14 years in prison. At 16, I met the love of my life, and two years later, we welcomed our firstborn, my princess. Two years after that, my son was born.
By the age of 20, I was responsible for taking care of my family while also grappling with my challenges and addiction. Living a street lifestyle to make ends meet, I was shot and came close to losing my life. This incident prompted a realization: I wanted a better future for myself and, most importantly, my family. I decided to return to school, which ultimately helped me secure a better job. This change allowed me to leave the street life behind and earn a living the right way.
I found a position as an office assistant in an ophthalmology office, where a doctor took me under her wing and mentored me. This experience significantly changed the trajectory of my life. I began to learn more about how the world works and what I could do to improve my situation and that of my family. Despite all this, it was not easy; I struggled with addiction, was often angry, and couldn’t control my emotions. I felt empty inside. The traumas I had lived through were taking a toll on me.
One day, when I was 25, I couldn’t handle all my difficulties. I almost gave up, but when I looked at my kids, I found a way to channel the rage I held inside to keep fighting. I decided to ask for help, but not from another person. I turned to God and prayed for assistance because I couldn’t do this. I immediately felt His presence, and from then on, I continued to seek Him.
My journey with God has been full of ups and downs. My traumas and addictions were deeply ingrained in me, and I struggled to break free from them. I relied too much on my will instead of trusting in God’s help. Even though I faced many challenges, God gave me the strength and wisdom to achieve great things and never to give up. I returned to school with a bachelor’s degree in Business, achieving an excellent GPA of 38. My two older kids are now in college and attending excellent universities. I have a dream job. But most importantly, I am sober. God has blessed me because I placed my faith in Him.
Now, I work in the Bleeding Disorders Community, serving my fellow blood brothers and sisters with hemophilia. Who would have thought that hemophilia would lead to such a blessing in my life?
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My parents immigrated to this country in the 1980s, fleeing a civil war that had deeply traumatized them with violence and abuse. This background later caused challenges in our home. I was born in 1986 in Los Angeles, California. From an early age, I faced the pressures of life head-on. I was diagnosed with a bleeding disorder called hemophilia, which limited my ability to engage in everyday activities like playing sports and being active. Despite this, I was determined not to let it hold me back, always believing I was destined for greatness.
During my childhood, I played soccer, but this caused bleeding in my right ankle due to my hemophilia. Over a few years, I developed arthritis, which further limited my mobility. I felt stressed and depressed; I hated having hemophilia. To make matters worse, my father was a violent, abusive alcoholic who would beat my mother. Growing up, I was surrounded by fear, hate, and resentment. My mother always cared for me despite everything, and I felt loved.
As a teenager, I made poor choices. I joined a local street gang to express my anger towards the world and experimented with alcohol and marijuana. By the time I was 17, my father had been convicted of a serious crime and sentenced to 14 years in prison. At 16, I met the love of my life, and two years later, we welcomed our firstborn, my princess. Two years after that, my son was born.
By the age of 20, I was responsible for taking care of my family while also grappling with my challenges and addiction. Living a street lifestyle to make ends meet, I was shot and came close to losing my life. This incident prompted a realization: I wanted a better future for myself and, most importantly, my family. I decided to return to school, which ultimately helped me secure a better job. This change allowed me to leave the street life behind and earn a living the right way.
I found a position as an office assistant in an ophthalmology office, where a doctor took me under her wing and mentored me. This experience significantly changed the trajectory of my life. I began to learn more about how the world works and what I could do to improve my situation and that of my family. Despite all this, it was not easy; I struggled with addiction, was often angry, and couldn’t control my emotions. I felt empty inside. The traumas I had lived through were taking a toll on me.
One day, when I was 25, I couldn’t handle all my difficulties. I almost gave up, but when I looked at my kids, I found a way to channel the rage I held inside to keep fighting. I decided to ask for help, but not from another person. I turned to God and prayed for assistance because I couldn’t do this. I immediately felt His presence, and from then on, I continued to seek Him.
My journey with God has been full of ups and downs. My traumas and addictions were deeply ingrained in me, and I struggled to break free from them. I relied too much on my will instead of trusting in God’s help. Even though I faced many challenges, God gave me the strength and wisdom to achieve great things and never to give up. I returned to school with a bachelor’s degree in Business, achieving an excellent GPA of 38. My two older kids are now in college and attending excellent universities. I have a dream job. But most importantly, I am sober. God has blessed me because I placed my faith in Him.
Now, I work in the Bleeding Disorders Community, serving my fellow blood brothers and sisters with hemophilia. Who would have thought that hemophilia would lead to such a blessing in my life?
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I currently work as an account executive for Paragon Healthcare, a specialty pharmacy that provides medications for patients with rare diseases, such as hemophilia. I cover the states of California, Nevada, and Arizona. My role involves helping patients access the necessary resources to obtain their medication.
As someone who has hemophilia myself, I not only provide them with their medications, but I also see myself as a resource for the community. I am well-known for genuinely caring about my patients and always looking out for the best interests of my community. I have been actively advocating for our needs at the state and national capitols for many years.
My children have also participated in volunteering and leadership programs throughout their teenage years, which has helped foster a sense of community service in our family. This community means a lot, so I consider this role my dream job. I earn a living by helping the people I love and care about.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Life is a journey filled with both joyful and challenging experiences. It is essential to take the time to appreciate and cherish the good moments, as they bring us happiness and motivation. At the same time, we must learn to endure the difficult times, understanding that they are a natural part of life’s ups and downs. You can navigate these challenges with greater peace and resilience by placing your trust in God rather than relying solely on your own understanding and strength. When we lean on faith, we often discover a more profound sense of purpose and comfort, which can transform our perspective and lead to a more fulfilling life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivan_giron_86/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IIMG86
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-giron-66b1911a2/
- Other: https://www.hopeforhemophilia.org/news1/overcoming-it-all – https://www.bloodstreammedia.com/journeys-episodes/ep-1-the-moment-w-ivan-giron-vanessa-flora-amp-tyshawn-constantine
