Party of 9 – a Column by Betty Vertin

I’m Wondering if Advocacy Is Always Worth It

Before three of my sons were diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), I didn’t know what I didn’t know. After that, my learning curve went straight up. I still needed to learn the amount of advocacy work it takes to be a parent to a child (or…

The Reasons Why I Share Our Rare Disease Story

Is it necessary to write about my family and three children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)? I have always felt that it is. However, sometimes, especially on social media, I am questioned and criticized when I share certain challenging aspects of life. “Why does she have to share that?”…