Columns

When I pray, I like to start by thanking God for all of the blessings he has bestowed on me. It reminds me of how much I have to be thankful for. We often forget to thank God, our friends, and our families, yet I think it’s important to express…

I can’t believe it’s been 13 years since I started exhibiting muscle loss. A lot has happened since then. My loss is slow but steady. Even when I plateau, I look back and realize that I’ve weakened over time. But if my column has one overarching theme, it’s that we…

Fall and winter have always been my favorite seasons. I eagerly await the cooler weather by prematurely washing my sweaters and drinking warm beverages. This year, I’m particularly excited for the changing of seasons because of some maddening mosquitoes. This summer, a non-native mosquito species terrorized me and other…

It can sometimes feel like everything is against us when doctor appointments and physical barriers bombard us. If we focus on the day-to-day challenges, we forget what we’re doing on earth. I recently discovered that practical goal setting helps you accomplish more than you ever thought possible. The mere act…

I have spent my entire career working and volunteering in the nonprofit arena. My focus has moved from mental health to aging to disabilities. I learned from each step and took that knowledge into the next phase of my life. There were always things I could use in the future.

Sometimes life with a chronic invisible illness can feel backward and upside down. As if anything that I do, whether positive or negative, could come back to bite me in the butt. It’s dizzying to try to predict people’s reactions to something as simple as a photo of me showing…

“That’s right. You’ll be able to resume your regular diet after gallbladder removal.” My surgeon’s words ring in my ears as my television airs food commercials and I chomp on carrot sticks. Two weeks after my operation and I’m finally back to my old self. I can flaunt my skinny…

I recently participated in a panel discussion at CureDuchenne 2019 Futures titled “Friends.” I gave a brief presentation, along with other members of the disease community, on the importance of friendship. From the responses we received, it was clear to us that many parents present at the event were…

We often have the radio on at home in the mornings to keep up with news and events. I was working at my home desk recently when I heard an astonishing comment from an on-air guest on a program broadcast by our local radio station. The guest was discussing the…

I’ve just wrapped up my internship with The Washington Post. My experience has made me think about the added benefits that a job brings. When you have Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a job forces you to find a way to overcome your challenges, helps you to discover your life’s…