Sometimes life can hit us out of nowhere. When we get hit, we can fall; or, we can stumble, pivot and catch ourselves.
One year ago I took the biggest hit of my life. I was diagnosed with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type 2 (LGMD), changing my life overnight. Since the diagnosis, I have been stumbling, desperately trying to stay upright.
I was in the United States Air Force when I received my diagnosis. The Air Force medically separated me and I had to figure out the best path forward, both in my career and my personal life. I decided to further my education was the logical step, so I applied for a graduate program at the University of Michigan. I was accepted and promptly started to chase the new endeavor. I made sure that I never had downtime to think about or confront my Muscular Dystrophy. I stayed busy, or always had an excuse to avoid conversing about it. However, denial and avoidance can only get someone so far. I was eventually forced to confront my reality and start processing my emotions. I created an Instagram account called MuscularDystrophyandPositivity as a means to share my story and raise awareness about LGMD. My goal is to continue to share my stories and experiences to provide readers with insights and inspiration.
I got hit. I started to stumble. But, I am pivoting, and I will catch myself. I am choosing to embrace Muscular Dystrophy and combat it with positivity.
I would be extremely grateful if you followed my journey and shared it with your friends and loved ones. The support of others means more to me than I could ever put into words.
