Why pool exercise is beneficial for my daughter with LEMS
One of my first goals as a parent of toddlers was to teach them to swim, especially as our family lived in mostly warm-weather climates while moving every few years with the U.S. Navy.
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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Educating my daughter on her care management as she enters adulthood
When our daughter was diagnosed with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) at age 15, our world shifted overnight. Suddenly, every decision we made had to be filtered through Grace’s additional needs. We moved…
The home accommodations we’ve made for our daughter with LEMS
My husband and I will have been married 29 years this October. In that time, we’ve lived in 16 homes, thanks to the U.S. Navy. Over the years, what we’ve looked for in a…
Reflecting on my daughter’s first experience with IVIG therapy
Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with IVIG therapy. Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. Our family learned the…
Pursuing your passion can be an important form of stress relief
I have loved tea parties since I was a child. It brings me such joy to set a table with flowers, delicate china, fine chocolates, and delicious pastries. Gathering friends and family around the…
Switching doctors brings unexpected challenges for my daughter
Reading is one of my favorite pastimes. Some of my earliest memories are sneaking away to the bedroom I shared with my sister and opening a new book. This love of reading has followed…
Understanding the impact of stress on my daughter’s LEMS symptoms
Recently, my daughter Grace had an amazing opportunity to speak at Grace Under the Oaks‘ annual fundraising event. The Florida-based nonprofit offers horse therapy to adults and children with health challenges. Grace was…
Having the talk about what to do in case of an emergency
For the past two weeks, the elevator at my daughter’s school has been out of order. This complicates things greatly for Grace, who was diagnosed with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) when she was…
My search to find the ‘normal’ of life with Lambert-Eaton syndrome
One of the common symptoms of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is muscle weakness, which, for many, causes problems with balance and gait. When our daughter Grace was diagnosed at age 15,…
Advocacy, community connections top highlights of recent conference
Recently, my daughter Grace and I had the privilege of attending the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference in Dallas. It was an honor for us to represent the Lambert-Eaton…
Seeing major improvements thanks to long-term physical therapy
“Continuous effort — not strength or intelligence — is the key to unlocking and using our potential.” — Liane Cordes Physical therapy is often the first step toward renewed strength for those with…
Why it makes a difference to meet others with LEMS in person
Our daughter Grace is more than three years out from her diagnosis of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). Until now, we’ve never met anyone in person who has LEMS. We’ve had wonderful friendships…