As I’ve started relying more on people for things I used to do on my own, it’s become easier to ask for help without feeling like a burden. This toxic thought has been a challenging mental hurdle, but it’s one we all deserve to get over. With compassion,…
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 moment to rain on my sunshiny parade. Arming myself with an advocate seems necessary for braving the outside…
The world can be overwhelming thanks to the deadly coronavirus pandemic, especially for someone dealing with muscular dystrophy. On top of the daily struggles — lack of mobility, physical exhaustion, and steroid-related side effects — there’s also the worry of getting sick and feeling the virus’s financial…
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 sleep or a deep nap. Without proper sleep, our bodies can rapidly deteriorate, resulting in…
When I was younger, I couldn’t imagine losing my ability to get up from the ground, run, or play soccer. Now I can’t imagine losing my ability to walk. At 23, I’m still able to walk despite having Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and I’m incredibly thankful for…
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 family members and the condescension of doctors, but it has also strengthened my gratitude for the people in my…
Columnist’s Note: Dear reader, this will be my final column at Muscular Dystrophy News. The past 15 months have been wonderful, but I have decided to take time away from writing to work on a variety of things, including the LGMD2L Foundation. Next year will bring us many opportunities…
I like to think I’m pretty funny, at least that is until I work up the courage to say something in a conversation. A lot of my humor has to do with my disability. Making a few wheelchair jokes here and there makes people uncomfortable, but it helps…
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 are whisked off to college are just a few things that come to mind. I think of these things…
In the disabled community, many people discuss the negative implications of being called “inspiring.” Some have said it’s objectifying, reduces our humanness, or congratulates us just for being disabled. I agree with many of those statements; however, if I am helping a person work past their…
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