Duchenne: Shalom's Lifelong Partner-in-Crime — Shalom Lim Ern Rong

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 just watched the 2021 film adaptation, directed by Larson’s…

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 that hospitalized me for the last three days of May. And…

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. Exactly a month ago, we attended a live performance of the…

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 years. For those unfamiliar with the term allied health, Kent State…

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 of employment to ensure that I realize my goal of self-reliance…

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 physical health. The withdrawal symptoms aggravated my comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder…

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 needed, but I wouldn’t have fixed appointments. The year started for…

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 deal for me. It’ll be my first time celebrating the day…

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 to note that the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency,…

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 in July; and the euphoria of turning 29 in October. Writing…

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. I dedicated the song to my pillars of support in my life with Duchenne…

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 muscular dystrophy (DMD), which I have, too. I feel it’s significant, even rare, that someone with…