Learn to Rejuvenate to Really Thrive
Some of my recent columns have been exhausting to write. This is because many of the experiences I have discussed have been difficult to actually live through. We live in a society that frustrates…
Living, Learning, Thriving
— Ralph Yaniz
Ralph has served as the executive director of the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology Foundation and the Berwyn Cicero Council on Aging, helping to establish the organization and begin serving the community. He was also an AARP regional vice president for a decade and, prior to that, the Illinois State Director for four years.
He holds BS and MA degrees in psychology from Loyola University of Chicago and worked as a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois for three decades. He also holds an MBA degree from Regis University in Denver, Colorado. Ralph has served on numerous boards for nonprofit organizations and in 2018 founded the LGMD2L Foundation to help look for treatments and cures for his form of muscular dystrophy.
Featured Post
A Day on the Hill: Using Our Voices to Lobby Lawmakers
Columnist’s Note: Dear reader, this will be my final column at Muscular Dystrophy News. The past 15 months have been wonderful, but I have decided to take time away from writing to work on…
Read more
Ralph Yaniz -- Living, Learning, Thriving
Advocacy, MD, and Dealing with the US Healthcare System
I have limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2L (LGMD2L). My previous column, “I Live Creatively to Power Past Obstacles,” discussed how I live with my limitations. For me, the biggest challenge is navigating…
The Truth About Positive Thinking and How to Achieve It
Writing a weekly column has been enjoyable. It has been great to examine a variety of issues that are important to the muscular dystrophy community. It also provides a way for people to share…
‘Disabled’ vs. ‘Having a Disability’: Debating the Power of Words
In the disability community, which is as diverse and broad as any other, there is a debate over terminology. I have seen this play out on my Twitter account and in other places.
The Speak Foundation Speaks Loudly: A Prelude to September in Chicago
I recently attended The Speak Foundation’s 11th Annual Conference. This event is for individuals with neuromuscular diseases and their families. We met in the beautiful city of Atlanta, for what turned out to…
Choosing an E-bike: Some Things to Consider
This column is a particularly nice one for me to write because of my love of bicycle riding. I began to bike in 1988. I was 29 years old and looking for a better…
It’s Essential to Be Your Own Health Advocate
Last week’s column, “Uniting to Effect Positive Change,” focused on the bigger picture of advocacy. This form of advocating is about a larger movement and changing the society we live in. I have…
Uniting to Effect Positive Change
I promised you that Sammy would be back. He came to this column on April 18 (see: “True Accessibility for All: No Roadblocks, Please“), and because he is my alter ego, I figured…
Moving into the Future: Assistive Technology Can Make a Difference
Many people love to travel. The issue of wheelchair accessibility on airplanes is important. Just as important for those of us who don’t use a wheelchair but are looking for…
Let’s Prepare Ourselves for the Trials of a Lifetime
Research and clinical trials Science is closer than ever before to finding treatments and cures for many rare illnesses. An important topic that I’d like to address is the…
Find Your Communities and Gain a Sense of Belonging
One of the greatest human needs is to feel that we belong. Most of us, even the introverted ones among us, seek to have a group of people with whom we feel a connection.
I Live Creatively to Power Past Obstacles
First, a thank-you As I begin my second month as a columnist at Muscular Dystrophy News Today, I’m excited to be hearing from you about the columns. I’m on Twitter (@ralphyaniz) and…
