So Long for Now: The Hawk Flies On to New Horizons

It’s hard to believe: This is the 100th column I’ve written for Muscular Dystrophy News Today. It will also be my last for the near future.

“Hawk’s-Eye View” has been a part of me for the past three years, as I graduated college, completed a five-month internship at The Washington Post, found a full-time job with Bionews, the parent company of this website, and helped produce livestreams for Call of Duty and the Post’s video gaming section.

And I’ve done it all while navigating the ups and downs of life with Duchenne muscular dystrophy — the good, the bad, and the ugly. I hope that what I’ve learned from these experiences will help all of the patients, parents, family, friends, and caregivers in the Duchenne community.

This will not be the end of my writing career, and there are a few ways you can follow what I’m doing, which I’ll share later on. It also isn’t the end of my role as an advocate in the Duchenne community.

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March 25, 2019 Columns by Hawken Miller

Introducing ‘Hawk’s-Eye View,’ a Duchenne Column

I’ve learned so much throughout my time as a columnist. The editors here have helped me become a better writer and given me the tools I need to succeed.

The broader Bionews community has also offered so much. I’ve met many other people with rare conditions, and while we all have different biological traits, we encounter the same challenges — broken wheelchairs, countless doctor appointments, being poked, prodded, and tested, and feeling like we don’t belong. These are relationships I hope to take with me for the rest of my life.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the responses I’ve received from readers of the column around the world. You are the reason I did this. I can’t help people in a physical way, but I know I have an opportunity to take what I’ve learned and help people as they venture along their own Duchenne journeys. Yes, this is a dynamic disease, but we all have something to teach one another, no matter where we are or where we’re going.

New challenges and opportunities

I believe there’s always a time for a change in life, and as the new year rolls around, it feels like the right time for me to make a move. I’ve also decided to leave my full-time position at Bionews as a features writer to find new opportunities.

I’m excited to work more closely with CureDuchenne, an organization my parents started in 2003, where I’ll use my skills in writing, social media, and video production to push us closer to a cure. I’m also looking forward to continuing my work in gaming journalism. I’ll have a chance to stream on Twitch and bring the joy of gaming to others around the world while increasing disabled representation in the industry.

I also plan to write more works of fiction and stretch my creative muscle in ways that I haven’t before.

More than anything, this change will allow me more time, which is one of the most precious commodities I have. It’ll give me a chance to breathe and develop systems to benefit my health. That means managing my care team, creating a schedule, and giving my body time to rest.

There’s so much I want to see and do. I said it here first: I owe the world a proper book. I need the time to do it.

While I may be disappearing from Muscular Dystrophy News Today and Bionews for now, I’ll always be cheering on all of my fellow columnists from the sidelines. Meanwhile, you can find me on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

This feels like Capt. James T. Kirk’s last captain’s log from the USS Enterprise. It’s a bittersweet emotion. I’ll miss my season of life at Bionews, but am looking forward to what the future holds.

Carpe diem and God bless you.

Hawken

Note: Muscular Dystrophy News 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 or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to muscular dystrophy.