Duchenne: Shalom's Lifelong Partner-in-Crime - a Column by Shalom Lim Ern Rong

Shalom is a University of Liverpool graduate, having completed an honors bachelor’s degree in criminology and security in July 2021. Born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and diagnosed at four months old, they are 26 years old and currently based in the Eastern part of Singapore. Their hope for their column is to advocate for the health and well-being of the muscular dystrophy community in Southeast Asia.

My body clock ticks louder because of my Duchenne MD

Nearly two years ago, I authored a column for this website about my reflections on the semi-autobiographical rock musical “tick, tick … BOOM!” from American composer, lyricist, and playwright Jonathan Larson (best known for “Rent”). I’d just watched the 2021 film adaptation, directed by Larson’s…

A rough month makes me grateful for what I’ve got

Last month was tough for me. Although celebrating my partner’s birthday on June 12 was a welcome distraction, I still had a June I’d like to forget, mainly because I spent the entire month recovering from a foot infection that hospitalized me for the last three days of May. And…

What I take away from watching the filmed version of ‘Hamilton’

Last week, my girlfriend and I caught the 2020 filmed version of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s award-winning Broadway production “Hamilton.” The recording, which we watched on Disney+, featured the original cast performing at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City. Exactly a month ago, we attended a live performance of the…

I welcome Agamree’s approval with renewed optimism

I received an email on Jan. 12 from Duchenne UK, an important Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) nonprofit in the United Kingdom. Its announcement: “Breaking News! First treatment for all [DMD] patients approved in U.K.” It went on to note that the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency,…