5 tips for ensuring a successful clinic week
Three boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), plus one mom, plus three clinic days equals much preparation. On Tuesday, the four of us left our home in Nebraska to drive to Denver for…
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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Realizing my oldest son with Duchenne has become a young man
I hope my columns haven’t sounded repetitive lately. I know I’ve mentioned more than once that my oldest son with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Max, fell and broke his leg almost four weeks…
Taking back control of my life by practicing caregiver self-care
Life feels a little messy right now. It feels like I have no control. As a full-time caregiver to my three sons with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and a mother to my…
In the wake of trauma, I’m finding joy in what I can give
The past week has been difficult. Our oldest son with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Max, fell last week and hurt his leg. In the past several days, we’ve figured out how to dress…
My son had a horrifying fall and may never walk again
I have three sons with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD): Max, 17, Rowen, 14, and Charlie, 12. Rowen stopped walking three years ago at the age of 11, after he fell and broke…
How Duchenne Affects What Siblings Look for in a Partner
Most days, my husband, Jason, and I take our kids to school in the same van. It’s an excellent time to be with them before school, and I get a nice 10-minute date…
As a Caregiver, Having Extra Help at Home Will Benefit My Entire Family
We had a snowstorm last week that left us with 10 inches of snow after just a few hours. It still looks like a winter wonderland outside. My children had two days off of…
4 Reasons to Celebrate as My Sons Grow Older With Duchenne
Birthdays can be challenging for parents of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). When our children were diagnosed, we were given a life expectancy. And as our children turn a…
I’m Wondering if Advocacy Is Always Worth It
Before three of my sons were diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), I didn’t know what I didn’t know. After that, my learning curve went straight up. I still needed to learn…
Why I’m a Good Mom to Children With a Rare Disease
I do my best to try in life, but I’m not perfect by any means. That’s me. I hope that is how I come across in this column. However, I never want to make…
The Reasons Why I Share Our Rare Disease Story
Is it necessary to write about my family and three children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)? I have always felt that it is. However, sometimes, especially on social media, I am questioned and…
I’m Now Learning How to Schedule DMD Around Our Lives
Bend your mind. When we discovered our middle son, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), was on the autism spectrum, we helped him adjust to unexpected changes by using the words “bend…
