Strength of the Soul
— Mileidys Almaguer Iniguez

I have conflicting emotions about the COVID-19 vaccine. I feel dominated by fear, even though I know this vaccine will lower my risk of contracting the coronavirus. On one hand, I know how important it is to be protected…

Because there is little information available about certain diseases, many people may be misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. People with rare diseases are at a disadvantage compared with people with well-known medical conditions. Not only do people with rare diseases…

If I asked a random person on the street if they think I have a disability, their answer would probably be no. However, one of the effects of my latest neuromyelitis optica (NMO) attack is that I do…

This column is a message to all of the patients currently undergoing an extended hospital stay. I know it is easy for people to share encouraging words when they aren’t the ones in a difficult situation. But let me…

When I was diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) in 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hadn’t yet approved any medications specifically to treat this disease. However, doctors could select various therapies to help patients prevent or…

I was born and raised in Cuba, playing outside, running, and enjoying my friends. In my healthy teen years, I didn’t think I’d ever become chronically sick, much less stop walking. However, everything changed when I watched a…