Ah, summer, the season of sunshine, sandy toes, and an overwhelming urge to leave our responsibilities — and occasionally common sense — behind. For most families, mine included, summer is a time to finally take a much-needed break. But as someone living with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), vacation…
Travel
I was born in a small town two hours away, but Toronto has been my home for more than two decades, and it’s where my husband and I are raising our daughter. Recently, while hosting one of her schoolmates for the week, we decided to play tourists in our own…
Second in a series on visiting Disney World with a disability. Read part one. Big crowds make me nervous. Should someone bump into me, I can easily lose my balance. And the risk of infection weighs heavily on me, given my weakened immune system. A nearby sneeze triggers…
First in a series. Christmas, a bustling time for all, becomes particularly challenging for patients like me who have neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), as it can take us out of our routine and add unwanted stress. One holiday memory stands out and is yet to be beat:…
At one point in my life, I thought I wanted to be a flight attendant. As a first-generation Canadian, my parents, who immigrated here in 1968, told me stories of foreign countries and the people, the unique food, and the different languages. For most of my childhood, I grew up…
Flying can be an ordeal for many people with disabilities who rely on wheelchairs to get from point A to point B. Sometimes disabled travelers get to their destination only to realize their wheelchair or scooter is broken or missing. In 2019, the year after airlines were required to release…
Recent Posts
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- My mom’s example of strength still guides me in life with NMOSD
- Short course of approved drug effective for treatment-resistant NMOSD
- How to help people in your social circle better understand chronic illness