Columns

April 12, 2021April 7, 2021

We Recognized the Great Value in Community During the Pandemic

Columns, Stretcher-Bearers – a Column by Lori Dunham

We are living in unprecedented times involving a pandemic and political and social unrest that has been debated in many homes and communities. Even amid all the disagreement and opposing ... Read more

April 5, 2021March 31, 2021

How Books Inspire Us to Embrace Our Circumstances

Columns, Stretcher-Bearers – a Column by Lori Dunham

The paths of those affected by Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) hold many twists and turns. Our family has experienced many ups and downs since our daughter Grace was diagnosed. The ... Read more

March 29, 2021March 25, 2021

I Acknowledge the Sadness and Then Count My Blessings

Columns, Stretcher-Bearers – a Column by Lori Dunham

Eeyore from “Winnie the Pooh” has never been my favorite character. For most of my life, I could not relate to his ever sad disposition. He always seemed so melancholy ... Read more

March 22, 2021March 17, 2021

The Fog of Uncertainty Lifted When My Daughter Was Finally Diagnosed

Columns, Stretcher-Bearers – a Column by Lori Dunham

Many people with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) wait an extremely long time for a diagnosis. Our family waited nine months, a relatively short time compared with others in the LEMS ... Read more

March 16, 2021March 12, 2021

Motion Analysis Helped Grace Get the Most Out of Physical Therapy

Columns, Stretcher-Bearers – a Column by Lori Dunham

I have often said that we would try any treatment if it meant more mobility, strength, and health for our daughter Grace, who is living with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). ... Read more

March 9, 2021March 5, 2021

Acknowledging the Loss From Chronic Illness Helped Us Emotionally Heal

Columns, Stretcher-Bearers – a Column by Lori Dunham

I consider myself a pretty resilient person. My husband is in the U.S. Navy, and I can accommodate most situations. For example, we have moved 10 times, three of them ... Read more

March 2, 2021February 26, 2021

How Our Family Is Fighting Depression as Quarantine Continues

Columns, Stretcher-Bearers – a Column by Lori Dunham

Our family started quarantining almost a year ago this week. Our daughter Grace has a compromised immune system due to Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, which made us especially careful and protective ... Read more

February 23, 2021February 19, 2021

This Rare Disease Day, We’re Grateful for Those Who Came Before Us

Columns, Stretcher-Bearers – a Column by Lori Dunham

It is humbling to know that we are the beneficiaries of those who have gone before us. We stand on the shoulders of those who worked hard for us to ... Read more

February 16, 2021February 12, 2021

Our Daughter Is Seeing Positive Results From Rituxan

Columns, Stretcher-Bearers – a Column by Lori Dunham

Receiving a diagnosis of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome can be overwhelming. For many, the journey likely entailed multiple visits to doctors and many years of waiting. When we received our daughter ... Read more

February 9, 2021February 5, 2021

Connecting With Our Children in Meaningful Ways

Columns, Stretcher-Bearers – a Column by Lori Dunham

When our daughter Grace began exhibiting troubling signs of muscle weakness at age 14, symptoms that eventually led to a diagnosis of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, our family quickly went into ... Read more