How we protect our daughter with LEMS during cold and flu season
It’s that time of year again: the dreaded cold and flu season. I’ve never been more aware of it than I am today. Yes, I’m older than I once was, and sickness seems to…
Stretcher-Bearers — Lori Dunham
Lori Dunham and her family have lived all over the world thanks to the U.S. Navy. She has a degree in human resources but enjoys writing to encourage and inspire others. When her daughter Grace was diagnosed with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome at age 15, Lori sought community and encouragement from those walking a similar path. Lori’s mission in writing is to inspire and encourage those who find themselves in the role of caregiver. When she is not writing or homeschooling her two youngest, Lori enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with family. Currently they live in Jacksonville, Florida.
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My daughter finally returned to one of her favorite activities
When my girls were 10 and 12, the Navy moved our family from the warm climate of Florida to the shores of New England. We embraced Connecticut wholeheartedly and couldn’t wait to see snow.
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In life with LEMS, celebrating the little wins is a big deal
There are things in this life that amaze me. The generosity of a stranger and random acts of kindness rejuvenate my view of mankind. The family that chooses to march forward in hope after…
After a LEMS diagnosis, good medication management is key
Once a month, Anovo pharmacy calls to refill my daughter Grace’s prescription of Firdapse (amifampridine). The conversation doesn’t vary from month to month. First, they’ll inform me the call is being recorded.
Choosing a word to live by in the new year as a LEMS parent
At the start of each new year, I do the same dance as many of you. I examine the year we’ve just left behind and intentionally pursue change in certain areas of my life.
Seeing my daughter laugh again gives me hope for the future
Some memories are so special that you know they’ll be held close to your heart for all time. For me, one of those memories was when we heard our daughter Grace laugh for the…
LEMS community makes strides in spreading disease awareness
“Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” — Forrest Gump, in the film of the same name Most would agree that life can be unpredictable.
What a difference 4 years have made in fighting Lambert-Eaton
When our daughter Grace was diagnosed with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) at age 15, I thought our lives would never be the same again. Her life, and ours, seemed to come to…
My daughter decides how much to share about her LEMS
For most of my life, I’ve been an open book. I tend to trust people quickly and make fast friends. That’s partly out of necessity, as I’ve been a military wife for most of…
Learning to slow down was key to managing our daughter’s LEMS
My childhood memories hold a lot of special moments: our first family trip to Disney World, summers at the Jersey Shore, fun family celebrations. But mostly, I remember the mundane parts of family life.
Taking care of myself: A lesson learned while taking care of others
As far back as I can remember, I wanted to be a mom. Sure, I had other interests, hobbies, and ambitions, but my deepest and most meaningful dreams were about motherhood. I not only…
Going to the mall, and other activities I thought we’d lost forever
Most of us have vivid memories of a day that changed the trajectory of our lives — that point on the calendar separating the before from the after. Some of those days hold the…
Hurtful comments triggered ‘mom guilt’ I didn’t deserve
I have a friend who lost her 16-year-old son this summer in a swimming accident. I’m heartbroken for her family. My own family grieves their loss, and my 16-year-old daughter misses him terribly.