Posts by: Leah Leilani

Leah Leilani

My name is Leah. I'm 20 years old and I was diagnosed at the age of nine with a a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy called Mitochondrial Myopathy. I'm a former MDA Regional Ambassador and have recently started my own blog. My disease affects my energy levels and I can not get through the day without my wheelchair and taking naps.

August 14, 2018August 13, 2018

Seeing Both Sides of the Plastic Straw Controversy

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

A few years ago, if you had asked me what it means to be eco-friendly, I would have given you the average answer: “Turning off your lights when you’re ... Read more

August 7, 2018August 3, 2018

How Lyrica Has Affected My Relationship with Food

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

All my life, I’ve been very lucky not to be burdened with food and eating problems. For a brief period as a young teen, I watched what I ate ... Read more

July 24, 2018July 20, 2018

Why I Identify with Being Chronically Ill, Not Disabled

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

Every now and then, when I see my reflection in a window or mirror, I’m surprised. Most of the time, I forget that I need a wheelchair to get ... Read more

July 17, 2018July 13, 2018

Treat Your Mental Health Before It Becomes Too Much to Bear

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

Today, in 2018, the topic of mental health seems to be discussed more frequently than ever before. This is a great thing, however, understanding the signs and symptoms may ... Read more

July 3, 2018June 29, 2018

Managing Body Temperature with Heat Intolerance

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

As you all know, summer is upon us, and that means trying our best to stay cool. Here in Southern California, the June gloom is almost gone and that ... Read more

June 26, 2018June 22, 2018

Interacting with Kids Who’ve Never Been Around a Wheelchair

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

People can be downright rude when it comes to being around someone who’s different to them. You don’t really have to be in a wheelchair to know that. I ... Read more

June 19, 2018June 18, 2018

Planning My Summer with Both Fun and Reality in Mind

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

As you may know if you’ve read my columns before, my form of muscular dystrophy is called mitochondrial myopathy. It renders my body unable to produce enough energy to function ... Read more

June 12, 2018June 8, 2018

Dating with a Disability: Part 2

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

Second in a series. Read the first here. It’s no mystery that romantic relationships take effort. They’re not always full of sunshine and flowers. They require good communication, patience, trust, ... Read more

June 5, 2018June 8, 2018

Dating with a Disability: Part 1

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

Part one of a series. Last summer, I was looking through some BioNews Services articles when I came across one about online dating. The young woman who wrote the article ... Read more

May 29, 2018May 29, 2018

Learning to Embrace Relapse with Muscular Dystrophy

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

Just eight years ago, a four-hour trip to Disneyland would barely touch me. I’d go on a few rides, have a bite to eat, come home, take a nap, ... Read more

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