Party of 9 — Betty Vertin

My past two columns highlighted significant life events: my daughter’s wedding and my return to the workforce. I’m keeping that theme going today as well, noting my oldest son’s move into his…

I have seven children, and three of them are living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD): Max, 18, Rowen, 15, and Charlie, 13. If you’re a caregiver or a parent, I’m sure…

I’m officially a mother-in-law! That’s a new title for me. I’m a mom to the seven children I share with my husband, Jason. I’m also a special needs mom and warrior mama to my…

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) touches every part of my family’s life. Jason, my husband of 23 years, and I have seven children. Three of them — Max, 18, Rowen, 15, and Charlie, 13…

Wrestling videos were the soundtrack to my morning earlier this week. I was staring at a beige wall void of anything except a small white clock marking the time and the black screen of…

This week, one of my boys had to get an MRI. Three of my four sons — Max, 18, Rowen, 15, and Charlie, 13 — are living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (…

I often read social media posts from moms asking for safe and fun ideas for their children to enjoy during summer break. When my boys were younger, I worried about that as well. I…

“What can I do to help?” It was my husband’s answer to the long rant I’d just finished. I didn’t know I needed an answer, but his caught my attention. Beyond the weight of…

“I didn’t think you’d jump with us,” said my daughter Mary, 9, breathing heavily as she bounced from trampoline to trampoline. It’s true; I’d never taken her or her little sister Callie, 2, to…

Recently, our family had terrific reasons to celebrate. I have three sons with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD): Max, 18, Rowen, 15, and Charlie, 13. They are doing things we never imagined they’d…

When three of my sons — Max, 18, Rowen, 15, and Charlie, 13 — were diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy between July 2010 and August 2011, my learning curve was practically a vertical line.

I feel relaxed — refreshed, even. We’ve had almost two weeks at home without any appointments or travel. The kids are complaining of boredom, but I’m letting boredom reign! It’s a beautiful but rare…