Prior to my diagnosis, my family spent much more time traveling than we do now. Even though I’ve never traveled outside California, I still have memories of long, scenic car rides across the state to our vacation destination. I miss those winter days spent in a snow-covered cabin in the…
In a past column, I wrote about focusing on the things I can do rather than those I can’t. One of the things I can do is travel, and I’m fortunate to have visited many places around the world. Traveling is possible even with…
Research and clinical trials Science is closer than ever before to finding treatments and cures for many rare illnesses. An important topic that I’d like to address is the process of research and clinical trials. This is an area in which we can all help…
As women, we reach a point growing up when we must enter the intimates section of the department store to begin shopping for bras. Finding a comfortable bra is an exercise of trial and error for every woman, and especially for those of us living with a chronic illness or…
I’m not going to be an athlete — and that’s OK. I’ve found a competitive outlet through video games. While sports helps to build friendships and engage in teamwork (I had felt excluded from that opportunity for comradery), video games have leveled the playing field for me.
One of the greatest human needs is to feel that we belong. Most of us, even the introverted ones among us, seek to have a group of people with whom we feel a connection. Family is usually the first community that gives us this sense of belonging, a group in…
College is a busy time in my life. I can easily overbook my schedule and have little time to do homework. I’ve resisted the temptation to stay up late on many occasions. I know the power of sleep. Sleeping about nine hours a night gives me a chance…
First, a thank-you As I begin my second month as a columnist at Muscular Dystrophy News Today, I’m excited to be hearing from you about the columns. I’m on Twitter (@ralphyaniz) and always want to delve deeper. I also love some of the ideas I’m getting. As I…
My life with mitochondrial myopathy has been a roller coaster, but my dog Andre was always there to brighten my world. After days spent healing in a hospital room, I could look forward to coming home to my beloved Andre. If I was suffering through the flu and…
I attended my final class at the University of Southern California (USC) last Wednesday, and I thought this would be a good time to look back at the ups and downs of navigating college with a disability. The support of those around me…
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