Hawk's-Eye View - a Column by Hawken Miller

Stretching has been part of my daily life since I was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) about 17 years ago. Every night, my parents would reserve 30 minutes to do passive stretching, and I saw a physical therapist regularly. We didn’t do it because we wanted to, but…

I realize that having a full-time job as well as Duchenne muscular dystrophy can be challenging. Balancing my time between self-care, including stretching and doctor’s appointments, and work can be physically and emotionally draining. That’s why you must find a job that is a good fit for your situation.

Power chair use can feel like a burden. Most people I hang around don’t use a wheelchair so it makes me feel out of place. I also have to find alternate routes to get into places like restaurants and offices, which is inconvenient for all who accompany me. However,…

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…

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 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…

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…

Since early childhood, we have all strived to become independent. We want to be able to do things on our own. However, to achieve independence with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, we must flip the typical definition of the word on its head.  When we think about…

Life can get hectic sometimes, especially when you are dealing with a rare disease such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy. However, you shouldn’t let your busy schedule prevent you from making regular visits to your primary care physician or neurologist. At routine appointments, your doctors can track your…

Last week, I wrote an open letter to parents of kids with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Now I want to offer some words of advice to those kids. Your parents love you and will sacrifice a lot for your well-being. That means you have an even greater responsibility as a…