Chronic illness or not, we all need to support each other

I’ve written columns about community and connection. I chose these topics because they’re relevant not only to those of us with rare, chronic conditions, but to everyone.

I write through the lens of living with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, but I strive to connect to all of society. After all, we all face difficulties, and we all struggle from time to time, wondering what our purpose is. Through community and connection, we gain a third pillar to assist us on the journey of life: support.

Support is a tough word to define because it can take many forms. Physical support could be a material, such as a metal beam, that holds up a structure. If I donate money to a person or a cause, I’m supporting them. If I rise to speak on someone’s behalf, I’m supporting their point of view.

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When a chronic disease enters the picture, we may require additional types of support. That could be physical, such as assistance from a personal care attendant or the presence of a loved one during medical appointments or hospitalizations.

Perhaps support is social, such as connecting with a community of people who live with the same condition. I hope you feel supported by reading my words and knowing that I enjoy your comments. Through this give and take, we can support each other as fellow rare disease patients, but also simply as people.

Support may also take the form of moral guidance, prayer, mentorship, shared knowledge, and wisdom. By educating others and sharing our life experiences, we can give each other strength.

It’s cliche to say that we’re all in this together, but it’s true.

Whether you’re diagnosed with a rare disease or not, all humans require connection, community, and support. If you or a loved one is living with a chronic condition, please know that you can connect with the Bionews community at any time. I’ve found support by reading columns from people living with diseases I’d never even heard of. I always find a number of topics that apply to all of us.

These days, it’s easy to stay connected through texting, social media, and so on. Perhaps you draw support from digital platforms as well. What use is all of this technology if it can’t help to support us?

I’d love for you to share your thoughts on how you’re supported, and how you support others. You don’t need to live with a chronic illness to understand that all humans rely on one another. It’s what makes us, well, human.

Note: Muscular Dystrophy News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Muscular Dystrophy News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to muscular dystrophy.