When our 17-year-old daughter Grace was diagnosed with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) at the age of 14, we struggled to know how much to share about her health, and with whom. In some instances, such as at school or church, it was imperative that we discuss her condition so…
I have been surrounded by heroes much of my life. For the past 23 years, I traveled the world alongside my husband as he served in the U.S. Navy. I have been on flag-draped streets welcoming shiploads of sailors back to American shores. My 5-year-old son and I have held…
Like many others, our family is returning to a normal routine after enjoying an increase in activities, family events, and time with friends for the Easter holiday. I love the extra family time and the break from work. We do fun day trips we don’t normally have time to do.
Living with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) or another rare disease, or caring for someone with one, comes with many challenges. We often find ourselves within a vacuum because that very rareness makes information sparse. Finding others with the same illness and connecting with them are key to not…
One of the most positive experiences that has come from our 17-year-old daughter Grace being diagnosed with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome has been the opportunity to attend horse therapy with a nonprofit organization called Grace Under the Oaks. I have shared in the past the incredible improvements this therapy…
I remember the exact moment I realized we were facing a giant in my daughter Grace’s life. Barely a teenager, she had symptoms that eventually resulted in a diagnosis of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). The realization happened before all of the MRIs, the CT scans, the cancer scare, and the…
I love taking care of people. I always wanted a family, and I’ve loved my role as a mother and wife first and foremost. However, our daughter’s diagnosis of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome at age 14 added a whole new dimension to my caretaker duties. I was unprepared for…
I have never been a fan of roller coasters. I learned early on that I like to keep my feet firmly planted on solid ground. Growing up in Pennsylvania, I recall many field trips to Hersheypark. Even in my teenage years, I much preferred its tilt-a-whirl or bumper cars to…
There was a time when I thought I’d never smile again. For most of my life, my smile came easily. Through good times and bad, a smile never cost me much. I was able to compartmentalize my hurts and had a general sense that the good usually outweighed the…
One of the first treatments offered to our daughter Grace, now 16, after she was diagnosed with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) was intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Every three or four weeks we would head down to Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, for her infusion. The hospital always did a…
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