The Beginner's Guide to Walking — Jennifer V.

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…

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…

Everyone has a breaking point. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by sadness, depression, or anxiety when life’s pressures become too heavy. Those of us who have chronic illnesses have our breaking points, too.

As November closes, I’m reflecting on how grateful I am to have my family. Dear Family, I know none of you chose this life as a caregiver. Neither did I, but that doesn’t…

The snoring emanating from my dog, Magnus, is distinctly different from a human’s. His gentle, rhythmic purr, characteristic of pugs, has a mesmerizing yet endearing quality. It’s seamlessly woven itself into the fabric of…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…