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: Working at the Y Has Been Incredibly Rewarding

Photo courtesy of Connor Shanta Day 19 of 30 This is Connor Shanta’s (@bigmanshanta) story: I live with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). This disease affects the strength of all my muscles but specifically the face, scapular, and arms. I use a power wheelchair to get around. I…

30 Days of MD: Transitioning From Invisible to Visible Disability

Photo courtesy of Andy Rusch Day 17 of 30 This is Andy Rusch’s (@wildernessandwolf) story: As someone with Becker muscular dystrophy, I have difficulty with stairs, inclines, and falling. I now have much more difficulty than I used to have. As I’ve grown older, I’ve been transitioning…

30 Days of MD: Baking Sourdough Bread Is My Jam

Photo courtesy of Lisa D’Andrea Day 16 of 30 This is Lisa D’Andrea’s (@burgiesgirl) story: Six decades of living with Bethlem myopathy have taught me to doggedly pursue the things that make me happy. Being mobility-impaired has made me an expert in finding fun in the things…

30 Days of MD: Fitness Gave Me the Strength to Carry On

Photo courtesy of Dominic Marabello Day 14 of 30 This is Dominic Marabello’s (@marabellofitness) story: When I was a teenager, I noticed that other boys my age were beginning to grow muscle while my thin frame remained the same. As I entered my sophomore year of high school, I…

30 Days of MD: Learning to Accept My Disability

Photo courtesy of Evi D. Day 13 of 30 This is Evi D.’s story: Hi! I’m Evi, 33 years old, and living in Belgium. I have lived with FSHD since I was a kid. It progressed slowly and for a long time, only my facial muscles were affected.

30 Days of MD: Be Kind to Yourself for Your Mental Health’s Sake

Photo courtesy of Sarah Bennett Day 12 of 30 This is Sarah Bennett’s (@muscle_dystrophy_mom) story: It’s tough to choose just one subject of significant importance to me because of my many different experiences living with muscular dystrophy, but I have decided to focus on mental health. Since…

30 Days of MD: Occupational Therapy’s All About Teamwork

Photo courtesy of Moira Matthews Day 11 of 30 This is Moira Matthews’ story: My name is Moira Matthews. I am a certified occupational therapy assistant working in Wilmington, North Carolina, with Genesis Rehab Services, providing mobile outpatient services called Vitality to You. I am a lover of…