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.

June 18, 2019June 17, 2019

The Battle Between Mitochondrial Myopathy and Makeup

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

My early years in this world were spent being a girlie girl. Along with my stash of crowns and fake pearls were things like brightly colored nail polish and ... Read more

May 21, 2019May 17, 2019

Choosing the Right Dog Breed for My MD Lifestyle

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

Prior to my diagnosis, my family spent much more time traveling than we do now. Even though I’ve never traveled outside California, I still have memories of long, scenic ... Read more

May 14, 2019May 10, 2019

My Search for a Comfortable Bra as a Woman in a Wheelchair

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

As women, we reach a point growing up when we must enter the intimates section of the department store to begin shopping for bras. Finding a comfortable bra is ... Read more

April 30, 2019April 26, 2019

Grieving the Loss of My Furry Friend

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

My life with mitochondrial myopathy has been a roller coaster, but my dog Andre was always there to brighten my world. After days spent healing in a hospital room, ... Read more

April 2, 2019June 3, 2019

Looking at the Complexities of Mitochondrial Myopathy and Autism

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

Initial misdiagnosis is a common experience of those living with chronic illnesses. Many diseases have similar characteristics, and during the process of elimination, patients can receive an incorrect diagnosis. ... Read more

March 19, 2019April 5, 2019

My Birth Control Injections Have Restored My Quality of Life

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

The time when a girl’s body matures into that of a young woman isn’t how it’s portrayed in the movies — at least it wasn’t for me. I didn’t ... Read more

March 12, 2019March 22, 2019

My First Time Attending the LA Abilities Expo

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

A few weeks ago, I attended the Los Angeles Abilities Expo for the first time. Because I am now a moderator for the Muscular Dystrophy News Forums, I thought it would be ... Read more

March 5, 2019March 4, 2019

Join Us in the New Muscular Dystrophy News Forums

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

I received my mitochondrial myopathy diagnosis 13 years ago. I became involved with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) soon afterward. The organization is known for its Labor Day telethons previously ... Read more

February 26, 2019March 12, 2019

What Teachers Should Know About Students with Disabilities

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

Teachers must educate classes full of rambunctious, bored kids while trying to keep them engaged and quiet. Having a student with disabilities can add a whole new layer of ... Read more

February 12, 2019February 20, 2019

Tips to Alleviate Symptoms of Constipation

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

Managing one’s health while living with a disability requires much more than regular trips to the doctor and excessive amounts of medications. For those with disabilities, daily life can ... Read more

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