Dawn DeBois,  —

When Dawn was diagnosed with Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome in 2016, she realized how lonely it was not having anyone to talk to that understood her illness. Her goal with 'LEMme Tell Ya' is to let that be a conversation about LEMS that other patients can look forward to each week. Dawn will share her own stories of being a LEMS patient and one who also deals with having an invisible illness along with multiple autoimmune diseases. Dawn's prior work experience in pharmaceuticals and public health education is what led to her desire to educate others about her ultra rare diagnosis of LEMS. This desire, combined with her love of writing, led to her blog, The Battle Within. Dawn is also a contributor for TheMighty.com. When able to, Dawn volunteers for various pet rescue organizations. She has three adult sons and resides in Maine with her own rescues: a pug, Rocky, a beagle mix, Anna, and two cats, George and Wylie.

Articles by Dawn DeBois

Thankful for You, My Readers

When I checked into my last day of immunoglobulin therapy last week, I sat next to another patient in the waiting area. She looked over at me and said: “I’ve read all of your blog articles. It’s nice to have them, because you really do understand what we go…

I’ve Got the Fire in My Soul

Spontaneity is what I miss most about my pre-LEMS life. No longer can I hop in the car and go to a concert, the beach, or a quick weekend away without planning around meds and treatment schedules. Even with the best-laid plans, I find myself pulling over to make sure…

Putting My Fear of Needles to the Test

I used to pass out at the sight of blood. As a toddler, I saw the blood from my mother’s suicide attempt. The images from that night will forever be 10-second flashbacks in my brain. Fainting was my body’s way of protecting myself from more trauma. As I grew older,…

I’m Fortunate to Be the ‘Right Talent, Right Now’

Did you know that October is “National Disability Employment Awareness Month“? I hadn’t realized it until midmonth, though I’m legally disabled and employed as a writer. This year’s theme, “The Right Talent, Right Now,” jumped out at me as thoughts swirled in my head about having a month dedicated…

IVIG Is a Key to My Success with LEMS

We’ve all been there. Our doctors suggest a new treatment for our rare disease, and after consulting with other patients through social media, we decide that the option is too scary. I did this with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) replacement therapy. For more than a year, I held my neurologist…

Children of ‘Rare Parents’ Give Me Hope

One of the first Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) patients I had the pleasure of meeting in real life was Romy Braunstein. Romy is taller than me, which is no small feat because I am pushing 6 feet. Her personality is larger than life, and her sense of humor has…