Stretcher-Bearers — Lori Dunham

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…

Last week, much of the northeastern United States was hunkered down for yet another nor’easter. As snow fell on our northern neighbors, here in the South, we were enjoying spring-like weather. Many of the…

What is the first thing most of us did when the doctor mentioned Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) as a possible diagnosis? We Googled it, of course. We know that, while the internet…

March brings with it a bag of mixed emotions for this mama’s heart. In March 2005, our daughter was born to a mother who would never watch her grow up. She made the…

When I hear statistics about how many people are affected by the rare disease Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), I’m overcome by the minuscule odds that my daughter Grace is one of them. How…

I’m often surprised by the general lack of understanding about chronic illness and rare disease, which reminds me just how important it is to share our stories. In doing so, we can combat…

This week marks a new chapter in our daughter Grace’s rare disease journey. A few months ago, her pediatric neuromuscular neurologist announced that he was leaving his practice, and we had our final…

Most people who have faced a health crisis understand the relief of finally receiving a diagnosis. Once this happens, a plan of action can be put into place. When our daughter Grace was…

Every six months, my daughter Grace and I go to the children’s hospital for her Rituxan (rituximab) infusions. This has proven to be one of the most effective treatments for Grace after she…

I am not a skilled photographer. Family milestones come and go, and I’ll forget to document them. Christmas will slip by and I won’t take any photos. The same goes for birthdays. I’d like…

New Year’s always prompts such optimism for the future. It’s as if the world pauses from the chaos of the year to welcome a more promising time. I’m certainly hopeful about what the days…

My husband says traveling is in his blood. He grew up overseas, so it was only natural that we would often travel to his “home” early on in our marriage. When we started having…