Duchenne clinical trials show me how mature my sons have become
I recently took my three sons with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) to a hospital in Denver for three days of a clinical trial. One day was for each of them — Max,…
Party of 9 — Betty Vertin
Betty Vertin is a mother and writer living in rural Hastings, Nebraska, with her husband and seven children. Betty is a caregiver to three sons, Max, Rowen, and Charlie. Her oldest was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 2010 at 4 years old. The other boys were diagnosed with the same in the following year. Although Duchenne occasionally crashes the party, it has not kept her large family from celebrating and enjoying life. She writes her column in hopes of sharing her family’s experiences with others on a similar journey.
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How my teaching job reminds me that I’m more than a caregiver
I’m more than a caregiver, but it took a recent life change for me to realize that. I’m a mom to seven children I share with my husband, Jason, including three of our…
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7 tips for traveling alone with my 3 sons who have Duchenne
I am traveling this week with my three sons who have Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD): Max, 18; Rowen, 15; and Charlie, 13. The four of us are in Denver for three days of…
When siblings take a back seat to their brothers with Duchenne MD
I don’t want to miss a thing. Yes, as I typed that, I sang the Aerosmith song in my head. It’s the soundtrack to my husband Jason’s favorite movie, “Armageddon.” But more…
5 things I didn’t anticipate about caring for teens with Duchenne MD
Life is lived in seasons, at least here in Nebraska, where we experience all four of them. Some days offer nearly perfect weather: The sun is shining, the temperature is in the mid-70s, and…
In choosing a college, my son with DMD is already winning
I am a competitive former college athlete married to a someone who is equally competitive and also was a college athlete. We like to win and try to position ourselves in ways to make…
The things we don’t talk about as Duchenne caregivers
When three of my sons were diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy more than 10 years ago, I shared everything we experienced on social media and found support and understanding. But as they grow…
When I get overwhelmed by life as a caregiver, I count my joys
Pulling into a parking spot at my oldest son’s high school, I hit a parked car with my van. Thankfully, there was no damage to either vehicle, and the car’s owner, sitting in the…
How I realized I was doing too much for my sons with DMD
I do too much. You might assume I’m talking about caregiving because you’re reading a column written by a caregiver. And in part, you’re right. But mostly, it’s an admission that I’ve…
Sometimes living with Duchenne is simply too hard
I love to read, but finding time to sit down with a good book can be challenging in my busy house. As a mom to seven and a primary caregiver to my three sons…
Caregiving for sons with DMD is like being a frog in boiling water
One of my favorite early-summer memories is from when my sons Max and Rowen were younger. Both lovely little boys — one blond-haired and blue-eyed, the other dark-haired and brown-eyed — squealed with laughter…
Living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and our bundle of Joy
There is joy after a diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). There is joy after the loss of ambulation. There is joy in the midst of watching Duchenne slowly work its progressive,…
Being a parent and caregiver to boys with DMD changed my career path
When I stopped working at a job away from home in 2007, I never imagined it would be a permanent change. I was pregnant with my third child, Chance, who is now 16, and…
