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 25, 2020August 21, 2020

The Battle Against Ableism Is Tiring, but I Won’t Give Up

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

A few unfortunate circumstances recently have left me mentally exhausted by the endless recurrence of ableism. It feels as though ableism lurks around every corner, waiting for the opportune ... Read more

August 11, 2020August 10, 2020

I’m Sleeping Comfortably Now, Thanks to a New Mattress

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

Most mitochondrial myopathy patients rely on sleep as therapy for our disease. Yes, rest can be effective at regenerating lost energy, but there’s nothing comparable to a restful night’s ... Read more

August 4, 2020July 30, 2020

The Angels Who’ve Profoundly Affected My Life

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

Living with a disability often means I’m exposed to people’s true colors. This can be both positive and negative. My disease has familiarized me with the cold shoulders of ... Read more

July 14, 2020July 10, 2020

Being Independent Within My Capabilities

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

I often associate independence with adulthood and coming-of-age. The liberation of a teenager learning to drive a car or a student bidding farewell to their childhood home as they ... Read more

June 23, 2020June 19, 2020

Dating in the Era of Coronavirus

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

It is undeniable that the coronavirus pandemic has affected many aspects of life. Along with establishing new norms for work, school, and social interaction, the pandemic has forced romantic ... Read more

June 9, 2020June 5, 2020

Learning to Accept My Mental Illness Through Creativity

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

Positivity is a characteristic that I naturally possess. I seldom struggle to find the bright side of situations. Although this attribute has saved me innumerous times from acquiring a ... Read more

May 5, 2020April 30, 2020

The Power of Empathy Among Friends

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

I’ve never considered myself to be insecure about my disability. My use of a mobility aid has never dulled my social butterfly persona, except on a few occasions when ... Read more

April 21, 2020April 30, 2020

The ‘Crip Camp’ Utopia Made Us a Better Society Today

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

Netflix’s new documentary “Crip Camp” transports viewers to the peak era of peace-preaching hippies and civil rights activists. But amid these revolutions, another minority group struggled to find belonging: ... Read more

April 7, 2020April 30, 2020

Realizing My Introversion During Self-isolation

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

In the days when I still attended school, I was deemed an extrovert by my teachers and school officials. Never did I falter in putting myself “out there.” I ... Read more

March 17, 2020March 16, 2020

Redefining Success While Living with a Chronic Illness

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

I never have an answer to the questions, “Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?” or “What are your future goals?” Mitochondrial myopathy is a rare ... Read more

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