Hawk’s-Eye View — Hawken Miller

Power chair use can feel like a burden. Most people I hang around don’t use a wheelchair so it makes me feel out of place. I also have to find alternate routes to get into places like restaurants and offices, which is inconvenient for all who accompany me. However,…

When I pray, I like to start by thanking God for all of the blessings he has bestowed on me. It reminds me of how much I have to be thankful for. We often forget to thank God, our friends, and our families, yet I think it’s important to express…

It can sometimes feel like everything is against us when doctor appointments and physical barriers bombard us. If we focus on the day-to-day challenges, we forget what we’re doing on earth. I recently discovered that practical goal setting helps you accomplish more than you ever thought possible. The mere act…

I recently participated in a panel discussion at CureDuchenne 2019 Futures titled “Friends.” I gave a brief presentation, along with other members of the disease community, on the importance of friendship. From the responses we received, it was clear to us that many parents present at the event were…

I’ve just wrapped up my internship with The Washington Post. My experience has made me think about the added benefits that a job brings. When you have Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a job forces you to find a way to overcome your challenges, helps you to discover your life’s…

Since early childhood, we have all strived to become independent. We want to be able to do things on our own. However, to achieve independence with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, we must flip the typical definition of the word on its head.  When we think about…

Life can get hectic sometimes, especially when you are dealing with a rare disease such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy. However, you shouldn’t let your busy schedule prevent you from making regular visits to your primary care physician or neurologist. At routine appointments, your doctors can track your…

Last week, I wrote an open letter to parents of kids with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Now I want to offer some words of advice to those kids. Your parents love you and will sacrifice a lot for your well-being. That means you have an even greater responsibility as a…

Whether your child has been living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy for years or was just diagnosed, I’m here to remind you that it isn’t the end of the world. It’s just the beginning, and there’s more hope than ever.  You have…

Being reliant on a wheelchair is not always easy, but there’s no reason to let wheels stop you from getting out and having a good time. Modern technology and increased accessibility have opened doors. Museums, movies, and walks through the park are just a sampling of activities available…

I believe that my physical limitations heighten my observational skills and journalistic Spidey sense. Throughout my life, I’ve realized that I notice and remember the finer details that my physically-abled friends do not.  I read license plates to figure out how old a car is…

I have a lot going on in my life right now, and I don’t get enough time to rest. I’m transitioning to independent living, keeping track of my income while balancing my medical expenses, and completing an internship at The Washington Post while…