I’m at a crossroads in life, once again
Starting last week, I’ve been trying to get my life back on track after enduring a few difficult months. As I recently shared, life has been challenging since I left my job in April. Then, in May, I…
Duchenne: Shalom's Lifelong Partner-in-Crime — Shalom Lim Ern Rong
Shalom Lim is a University of Liverpool graduate, having completed an honors bachelor’s degree in criminology and security in July 2021. Born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and diagnosed at 4 months old in 1996, he is currently based in the Eastern part of Singapore. His hope for his column is to advocate for the health and well-being of the muscular dystrophy community in Southeast Asia.
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For Duchenne survivors, dealing with grief provides us strength
Earlier this month, I attended the debut of Stephanie Esther Fam’s play “Absence” at Singapore’s Gateway Theatre Black Box. Fam, a leading Singaporean poet and playwright in disability-led theater, is also a close friend of mine.
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My body clock ticks louder because of my Duchenne MD
Nearly two years ago, I authored a column for this website about my reflections on the semi-autobiographical rock musical “tick, tick … BOOM!” from American composer, lyricist, and playwright Jonathan Larson (best known for “Rent”). I’d…
A rough month makes me grateful for what I’ve got
Last month was tough for me. Although celebrating my partner’s birthday on June 12 was a welcome distraction, I still had a June I’d like to forget, mainly because I spent the entire month recovering from a foot infection…
What I take away from watching the filmed version of ‘Hamilton’
Last week, my girlfriend and I caught the 2020 filmed version of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s award-winning Broadway production “Hamilton.” The recording, which we watched on Disney+, featured the original cast performing at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City.
Paying tribute to the allied healthcare professionals in my life
Last Saturday, I attended a focus group on behalf of a local patient advocacy community of which I’m a member. The agenda for discussion was a nationwide allied health strategy here in Singapore to be implemented in coming…
Things I’ve gained while living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
As my time with the assistance dog charity I work for comes to an end, I’m seeking opportunities to occupy my time and keep me meaningfully engaged. At the same time, I’m looking forward to discovering other means…
When life with Duchenne is hard, I remember the value of friendship
During the month of March, I took a break from writing my column because I was experiencing withdrawal from recently tapering off an antidepressant and a steroid medication, which took a toll on my mental and…
I’m tapering off antidepressants and steroids with no regrets
On Feb. 19, I went to see my psychiatrist for the first time in 2024, after enduring a rocky start to the new year. When I last saw him in November, we’d decided that I’d consult him again as…
Why I’m looking forward to celebrating my first Valentine’s Day
Amid a topsy-turvy start to 2024, I’ve marked a date on my calendar I’ve been looking forward to more than any other: Valentine’s Day. While it might not be a particularly significant day for many others, it’s a big…
I welcome Agamree’s approval with renewed optimism
I received an email on Jan. 12 from Duchenne UK, an important Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) nonprofit in the United Kingdom. Its announcement: “Breaking News! First treatment for all [DMD] patients approved in U.K.” It went on…
Reflecting on how Duchenne MD changed my life for the better
As I look forward to the year ahead, I’m filled with a mix of emotions: unbridled joy at the thought of spending my first Valentine’s Day with my girlfriend, Amanda; a sense of dread as my caregiver Glenda leaves…
