You, Me and MD – a Column by Leah Leilani

Leah is a Southern California-based patient writer. She’s been an active member of the muscular dystrophy community since her regional ambassadorship with the MDA beginning at the age of 10 after her diagnosis of a rare neuromuscular disease, mitochondrial myopathy (Mito). Leah advocates for those with disabilities and promotes an understanding of her condition by evoking a positive outlook upon the obstacles she faces. Leah’s work doesn’t just stop at her column: she also doubles as a co-moderator on the MD News Forums. Away from her jobs, Leah is known among family and friends for her artistic creativity and outgoing personality.

June 23, 2020June 19, 2020

Dating in the Era of Coronavirus

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

It is undeniable that the coronavirus pandemic has affected many aspects of life. Along with establishing new norms for work, school, and social interaction, the pandemic has forced romantic ... Read more

June 9, 2020June 5, 2020

Learning to Accept My Mental Illness Through Creativity

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

Positivity is a characteristic that I naturally possess. I seldom struggle to find the bright side of situations. Although this attribute has saved me innumerous times from acquiring a ... Read more

May 5, 2020April 30, 2020

The Power of Empathy Among Friends

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

I’ve never considered myself to be insecure about my disability. My use of a mobility aid has never dulled my social butterfly persona, except on a few occasions when ... Read more

April 21, 2020April 30, 2020

The ‘Crip Camp’ Utopia Made Us a Better Society Today

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

Netflix’s new documentary “Crip Camp” transports viewers to the peak era of peace-preaching hippies and civil rights activists. But amid these revolutions, another minority group struggled to find belonging: ... Read more

April 7, 2020April 30, 2020

Realizing My Introversion During Self-isolation

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

In the days when I still attended school, I was deemed an extrovert by my teachers and school officials. Never did I falter in putting myself “out there.” I ... Read more

March 17, 2020March 16, 2020

Redefining Success While Living with a Chronic Illness

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

I never have an answer to the questions, “Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?” or “What are your future goals?” Mitochondrial myopathy is a rare ... Read more

March 10, 2020March 6, 2020

My Favorite Moments at This Year’s LA Abilities Expo

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

On Saturday morning, Feb. 22, I awoke with excited anticipation of the day ahead. That day, I attended the Los Angeles Abilities Expo for the second year in a ... Read more

February 25, 2020February 21, 2020

I Advocate for Disability Rights with Apparel and Accessories

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

Many years ago, I wore a green wristband adorned with the words “energy for life.” This phrase helped me to promote awareness about my disease, mitochondrial myopathy. I wore ... Read more

February 4, 2020February 3, 2020

Difficulties Strengthen Interabled Relationships

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

The best relationships aren’t full of luxurious vacations and daily smiles and laughter. Long-lasting couples have been to hell and back together, growing closer and stronger through the storms. ... Read more

January 21, 2020January 17, 2020

Joining a Support Group Can Make a Difference

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

As a kid, I found it difficult to bond with other children with muscular dystrophy (MD). As a young teen, I often compared myself to others — including those ... Read more