You, Me and MD — Leah Leilani

When I’m deep in thought, reflecting on my life, I shudder to think who and where I’d be without the support of my family and friends. Whether I need a shoulder to…

This year has been full of seemingly insurmountable struggles for everyone. As we resolved one hardship, another seemed to suddenly appear, creating an endless cycle that rocked our mental stability. I include…

The holidays are notorious for being one of the most hectic times of the year. People jump at the opportunity to score the best deals, and they sprint to grab the last…

Technology is an essential tool I use both in my social life and to be more productive at work. While it can make certain things I struggle with easier, it also has…

Those of us with invisible chronic illnesses master the art of mindfulness for our bodies. Since our symptoms show little signs of existence, we must work hard to translate our body’s hidden…

I have clear memories of listening to my fourth-grade friends talk about what their “boyfriends” got them for Valentine’s Day, or whispering between one another during class about who liked whom. My…

A few unfortunate circumstances recently have left me mentally exhausted by the endless recurrence of ableism. It feels as though ableism lurks around every corner, waiting for the opportune moment to…

Most mitochondrial myopathy patients rely on sleep as therapy for our disease. Yes, rest can be effective at regenerating lost energy, but there’s nothing comparable to a restful night’s sleep or…

Living with a disability often means I’m exposed to people’s true colors. This can be both positive and negative. My disease has familiarized me with the cold shoulders of family members and…

I often associate independence with adulthood and coming-of-age. The liberation of a teenager learning to drive a car or a student bidding farewell to their childhood home as they are whisked off…