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…
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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When art and advocacy meet onstage
Last Saturday, I performed a monologue titled “Connection” at the Enabling Lives Festival here in Singapore. ART:DIS, a local nonprofit that uses the arts to support people with disabilities, organized the event as…
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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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
A tribute to all who’ve stood by me in life with Duchenne MD
On Dec. 10, I performed “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King at the year-end music recital hosted by ART:DIS, a Singapore organization that supports the artistic development of members of the disability community.
This Christmas, I’m reminded of my late brother’s parting gift
As this column is published, it’s the eve of the fourth anniversary of my brother Isaac‘s death. He passed away on Dec. 7, 2019, from heart disease related to his Duchenne…
Finding love with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Shalom Lim, who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, celebrates a relationship milestone and affirms that waiting for and finding true love is worth the effort.
Experiencing the vicissitudes of life with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Late last month I turned 28 years old, the age my brother, Isaac, was when he passed away from Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). I have the same disease, and it’s put me…
The DMD community reminds me of my purpose in life
On Sept. 2, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (Singapore) (MDAS) held its annual Go the Dystance carnival at One Punggol, a community hub that houses the Punggol Regional Library. The event is typically held…
Remembering my late brother, Isaac, who was a kindred spirit
Aug. 14 isn’t just another day for my family. This year, our conversations were imbued with heartfelt remembrance as we gathered around the dinner table. We celebrated the birthday of my brother, Isaac,…
