My health situation has become incredibly trying recently. I’m hesitant to shed any tears because I fear they won’t stop. When I was diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), I was told I might face one or more additional autoimmune diseases in my lifetime. Initially, this warning seemed…
Knowing when to make that crucial trip to the emergency room is a concern that plagues everybody with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). It’s a dilemma that leaves us anxious and unsure. I’m battling a bladder infection, and admitting I have one typically fills me with embarrassment. But each…
As I do on any typical morning, I peered at my reflection in the mirror, squinting until I managed to insert my contacts. On this particular morning, however, despite my blurred vision, I couldn’t help but notice a peculiar bump on my right ear. “What fresh nightmare is this?” I…
Serving our community should matter to all individuals. I’ve always believed that if each person were to dedicate time to a charitable cause, our society could bring about profound change. Just imagine the kind of world we could create together. Even though I came of age in a household with…
I love the fall. It’s the perfect balance of weather between the summer’s heat and the winter’s snow. I love wearing layers of clothing, and when the leaves on the trees change their colors it means we’re closer to my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. I also love the fall because there…
Children don’t see race, age, wealth, weight, or disability, we’re told. Instead, they look for unconditional love. I believe that’s true until a certain point; then their innocence is forever lost. My 11-year-old daughter, Sophie, has always been a generous person. Even when she began to grow up and realize…
Even though summer isn’t officially over yet, it already feels like the end. This year, I’m feeling a bit emotional about it, and I’m sure my neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) has something to do with that. Living with NMOSD has made me hyperaware of the effects of…
You can’t find it if you don’t know what you’re looking for. That’s how I feel every time my Facebook and Instagram communities related to neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) discuss a news topic I hadn’t heard about. I’m left madly searching the internet to get caught up. Meta,…
I’ve been trying to stay active, but after a long family bike ride, I was exhausted. I opened my fridge looking for a fast and easy snack and audibly cheered when I found the strawberries I’d washed, chopped, and neatly placed into Tupperware earlier that day. Had I not found…
There’s no way to fully prepare for a flare-up of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) when I’m traveling, though I try. I’ve invested in additional travel insurance when out of the country, thankfully never having to use it. I bring records of all my medications should a treating…
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