30 Days of MD: Becky Bandy

by Kevin Schaefer | September 16, 2020

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Day 16 of 30 Days of MD Topic: Love and MD This is Becky Bandy’s story: My name is Becky Bandy. I live in Arkansas with my husband, Ethan. I have a genetic mutation of one gene that led to SMA & CMT tendencies. Having SMA, I developed severe scoliosis. That led to me having a pretty different body type than other girls. My stomach and ribs protruded out far. I had a hard time finding clothes to fit my strange body type. That led me down a path of extreme self consciousness. I wore big clothes that hid my body. I never saw anyone with bodies like mine. So, that took me down the path of love and if I would ever have a boyfriend or go on a date. I wondered constantly if I would ever find love. I was on multiple dating sites, with no avail. I continued on the dating sites for months, and I finally found someone who accepted me and my disability. We met in person three months later. I struggled opening up to him because of my disability, I wouldn’t let him see me do anything in regards to my disability. I acted like I didn’t have a disability. He knew I was struggling, he wanted to help me in our daily life. But, I wouldn’t let him. I finally accepted that I do have a disability, and I do need help sometimes. Our relationship flourished from there. I understood that he accepted me for who I was. He knew I needed his assistance a lot of the time. Since then, I had been in the hospital, in dire need of his help, and he was there every step of the way. He is my husband, my care giver, and my rock. My self-esteem sky-rocketed after finally realizing that my disability and I are one. I love my body now, and I wear what I want to wear. I realized that I was worthy of love and care. As someone with a disability, I never thought I’d find someone who accepted me. But it’s possible. #MDAwarenessMonth #MDAwareness #30DaysofMD

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