30 Days of MD: Caregiver Appreciation

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by Ralph Yaniz |

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Day 14 of #30DaysofMD Introducing Karen Cole: Topic: Caregiver Appreciation On September 8, 2019 my husband Chuck and I will be celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary. Chuck is a wonderful husband to me and father to our daughters Lauren and Shannon. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chuck because he plays an additional role in my life….being my selfless caregiver. I was diagnosed with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy in 1996 – 12 years after we were married and 2 years after the birth of our 2nd daughter. My subtype, LGMD 2i, was discovered in 2015. Chuck has been by my side every day to make me laugh, wipe my tears, and encourage me to keep fighting. Chuck has not only provided a great life and home for our family, he loves me and cares for me from morning until night. He lifts me up with the ins and outs of living with LGMD…. He lifts me from a chair. He lifts me from the toilet. He lifts me from the floor. He helps me in and out of bed. He helps me in and out of the shower. He helps me in and out of the car. He is always there to lift up my spirits and he gets me out of jams that occur daily when dealing with my ongoing mobility challenges. Caregivers come from all walks of life. Anyone can be a caregiver; but it takes someone special to care. I totally rely on Chuck who meets each obstacle and challenge head on with love and patience. As the LGMD progresses, we are constantly strategizing our next move and utilizing more and more adaptive equipment to make my life easier and fuller. I am lucky to have Chuck in my life as my husband, friend, and caregiver. I can’t image being on this journey without him. Take a moment every day to thank your caregiver(s).

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