Party of 9 – a Column by Betty Vertin

How Duchenne Helped My Son Learn Something New

The lights shone brightly, illuminating dancers dressed in red on the stage below. The rest of the theater was dark, save for an iPad glowing toward the back of the auditorium. I sat in the dark hall on a cold Saturday night in the small Nebraska town I call home.

4 Things I Never Worried About Before Duchenne

Are there curbs or cutouts? How many stairs are there? Is there an elevator? Is there space for multiple power chairs? How big is the bathroom? How far is the parking lot from the entrance? What do all of these concerns have in common? Unfortunately, they’re things I never…

Why I’m Grateful This Thanksgiving as a Duchenne Mom

While I love Christmas, I’m a Thanksgiving girl, too. Decorating for Christmas is one of my favorite things ever. I usually go shopping for vintage Christmas decorations and get at least one tree up before Thanksgiving. But I won’t get serious until we put the last leftovers from our turkey…

Feeling Thankful for Those Who Make Our Journey Easier

I have three sons with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). We had little need for durable medical equipment when they were young, but their needs have changed as they’ve aged and their disease has progressed. We have hospital beds, power wheelchairs, a stair lift, and a ceiling lift system.

How Making Memories Has Benefited My Family

The days are long, but the years are short. I’ve often heard that sentiment from parents whose children seem to grow up too fast. I’ve had several moments myself over the years of parenting my seven children. I had one of those moments yesterday when my oldest son, Max, who…