30 Days of MD

30 Days of MD | Muscular Dystrophy News | Reader submissions | 30 Days of MD graphic

30 Days of MD is a collection of stories, all written by people in the Muscular Dystrophy community. This project is designed to recognize Muscular Dystrophy awareness month, and it will run throughout September. Contributors include people living with various forms of MD, parents and caregivers, physical therapists, nonprofit executives, and more.

30 Days of MD: The Things People Don’t Tell You

Photo courtesy of Zee Zelinski Day 30 of 30 This is Zee Zelinski’s (@the.beautiful.gods) story: There are things no one tells you after receiving a diagnosis. No one could have possibly prepared you for what you’re about to go through. This was not your fault. Feel the…

30 Days of MD: Mito Has Brought About New Passions

Photo courtesy of Cynthia Mayeshiro Day 29 of 30 This is Cynthia Mayeshiro’s story: As a young woman, my passion was mountaineering. I felt at home in the backcountry. My outdoor skills became refined with every hike. I learned to stay safe, to reach my destination, and to know…

30 Days of MD: Chasing and Redefining Independence for Myself

Photo courtesy of Meredith Huml Day 28 of 30 This is Meredith Huml’s story: Independence has been a goal of mine for many years. I haven’t always chased after it in the healthiest manner. I need help in different ways than most people. I don’t like to make unusual…

30 Days of MD: Dream Big, Work Hard, and Never Give Up

Photo courtesy of Scott Bisi Day 27 of 30 This is Scott Bisi’s (@cougarhousegarage) story: My name is Scott Bisi, and I have always had big dreams. Living with muscular dystrophy (MD) and wanting to follow my dream of working in the automotive industry was challenging at first.

30 Days of MD: A Grandmother’s Perspective

Photo courtesy of Hannah Lowe Day 25 of 30 This is Elizabeth Lowe’s story: My grandson Austin was diagnosed with LMNA-related congenital muscular dystrophy (L-CMD) just before the pandemic lockdown in early 2020. My daughter, Hannah, and her husband, Mark, had noticed that Austin had stopped picking up…

30 Days of MD: Getting Fit with FSHD

Photo courtesy of Faye Flatt Day 24 of 30 This is Faye Flatt’s story: I was diagnosed with Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) at age 21 when my cousin was referred to a neuromuscular specialist who asked to see family members with similar physical characteristics. My mother was diagnosed…

30 Days of MD: Giving Up Is Not an Option

Photo courtesy of Anjélica Ramírez Day 23 of 30 This is Anjélica Ramírez’s story: My name is Angélica Ramírez. I just turned 23 years old. I am a writer and a student in my penultimate year of medicine. Throughout my life, I have suffered great adversities associated with my…

30 Days of MD: Why I Became a Therapist

Photo courtesy of Briana Mills Day 22 of 30 This is Briana Mills’ (@brianamills) story: I always knew I was different. As one of the only physically disabled children in regular public school classes, I was shamed by other kids because of my disability. Learning how to navigate…

30 Days of MD: Hope Is a Powerful Weapon Against Duchenne

Photo courtesy of Betty Vertin Day 21 of 30 This is Betty Vertin’s (@bettyvertin) story: My name is Betty Vertin. I live in Nebraska with my husband and children. My family is big! Three of my sons are living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Their names are…