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.

November 19, 2019November 18, 2019

Improving My Digestion with Enzyme Supplements

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

It’s over a month since my gallbladder surgery, and I couldn’t be happier with my healing process. I previously wrote about adjusting to life after gallbladder removal and mentioned ... Read more

November 11, 2019November 8, 2019

Attack of the Bloodthirsty Mosquitoes

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

Fall and winter have always been my favorite seasons. I eagerly await the cooler weather by prematurely washing my sweaters and drinking warm beverages. This year, I’m particularly excited ... Read more

October 29, 2019October 25, 2019

I Won’t Give Up My Positive Attitude for Others

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

Sometimes life with a chronic invisible illness can feel backward and upside down. As if anything that I do, whether positive or negative, could come back to bite me ... Read more

October 22, 2019October 18, 2019

Adjusting to Life Without My Gallbladder

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

“That’s right. You’ll be able to resume your regular diet after gallbladder removal.” My surgeon’s words ring in my ears as my television airs food commercials and I chomp ... Read more

October 1, 2019November 13, 2019

Honoring Serena Lawrence: How Her Life Changed Mine

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

In the summer of 2017, I received an email from a woman named Serena Lawrence. She had discovered me on Instagram, and had learned about my past ambassadorship with ... Read more

September 10, 2019September 5, 2019

My Asthma Flare Inspired Me to Buy a Vogmask

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

For most of my life, I’ve suffered from viral-induced asthma. While coughing and wheezing are often a constant with standard asthma, viral-induced asthma is triggered by infections such as ... Read more

September 3, 2019September 18, 2019

My Boyfriend Is Full of Ideas to Help Fight Inaccessibility

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

When I first started my search for a possible partner in life, all I asked for was someone who’d love me and understand my rare condition, mitochondrial myopathy. I ... Read more

August 20, 2019September 25, 2019

My Disability Does Not Mean I Am Broken

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

Let me make it clear that I am not opposed to questions about my disease and why I use a wheelchair. In fact, I encourage them. I mean, we ... Read more

August 6, 2019September 11, 2019

I’m Not Letting My Fear of Surgery Control My Life

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

For several years, I’ve been feeling nauseated in the mornings after I eat breakfast. Whatever food item occupies my plate that morning — be it a chocolate chip muffin ... Read more

July 30, 2019September 11, 2019

Celebrating My Tattoo Milestone and a Blessing in Disguise

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

Last Wednesday, July 24, was the four-year anniversary of the day I got my first and only tattoo. One month earlier, I had turned 18 and graduated from high ... Read more

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