Photo courtesy of Briana Mills Day 22 of 30 This is Briana Mills’ (@brianamills) story: I always knew I was different. As one of the only physically disabled children in regular public school classes, I was shamed by other kids because of my disability. Learning how to navigate…
Welcome back to “Hidden Truths,” a column where I seek to describe and express my feelings about my diagnosis of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. This week, I originally wanted to continue the discussion about questioning everything about my diagnosis and care management, which I discussed last week. However, because…
Photo courtesy of Betty Vertin Day 21 of 30 This is Betty Vertin’s (@bettyvertin) story: My name is Betty Vertin. I live in Nebraska with my husband and children. My family is big! Three of my sons are living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Their names are…
Football and science seem to be disparate fields of play at first glance, but the nonprofit Uplifting Athletes is finding common ground by leveraging the popularity of college gridiron games to fund research for rare diseases. Its nearly two dozen chapters — representing college football teams across the nation…
Photo courtesy of Sarah Lacey Day 20 of 30 This is Sarah Lacey’s story: My son Sam is 17 years old and has Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). He was diagnosed when he was 5 and needed to be in a wheelchair full time by age 10. DMD is…
Being in a power wheelchair, getting fatigued more easily than the average person, and walking with a waddle-like gait are a few bullet points on a long list of Duchenne muscular dystrophy symptoms that make me self-conscious. But more than that, these realities of living with a…
Photo courtesy of Connor Shanta Day 19 of 30 This is Connor Shanta’s (@bigmanshanta) story: I live with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). This disease affects the strength of all my muscles but specifically the face, scapular, and arms. I use a power wheelchair to get around. I…
Photo courtesy of Brad Miller Day 18 of 30 This is Brad Miller’s (@MyBeckersStory) story: Hi, my name is Brad, author of the My Beckers Story blog, and I’m in my mid-40s living with Becker muscular dystrophy. Over the last few years, I have…
Photo courtesy of Andy Rusch Day 17 of 30 This is Andy Rusch’s (@wildernessandwolf) story: As someone with Becker muscular dystrophy, I have difficulty with stairs, inclines, and falling. I now have much more difficulty than I used to have. As I’ve grown older, I’ve been transitioning…
It’s homecoming week here in Nebraska. Our local high school has its homecoming football game today, and the dance is tomorrow. I love homecoming. It’s a time of fun and excitement. The crowd at the football game always seems full of extra energy. The kids get dressed up and…
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