Years ago, I met a mom of a child with a rare disease who matter-of-factly shared her story, which included as many twists and close calls as any blockbuster summer movie. I marveled at her heroism and she said no, she rejects that description. “I’m not a hero,” she insisted. “I’m a typical mom. You […]
rare diseases
A helping hand, just in time
Some years ago a few colleagues and I got stuck at Logan Airport and we started telling stories to pass the time. One tale has come back to me over and over again, particularly as I cared for my dad during his last year of life, because it reminded me to be open to the possibility […]
Rare but not alone
Ashley Eakin, a filmmaker, is being brave and showing her real self online. She does it on behalf of the kids who share her rare condition so they can see themselves, in her image — a beautiful example of how the internet can be a bridge to hope and inclusion. Watch: When she mentions in […]
Case study: One in a million diagnosis
When we get sick or face a new challenge in our lives, we often feel alone, but we shouldn’t. There are people who have been in the same situation and are eager to help if they only knew how to find us. That’s one of my core beliefs, based on the fieldwork and research I’ve […]
Unrest
The film “Unrest” will debut on Independent Lens this week (check your local listings — in the DC area it will air on Jan. 12 at 10:30pm on WETA). I couldn’t wait and bought my own digital copy on Amazon. Let me just say: It’s no surprise that it’s on the short list for an Academy […]
“They come from the same community”
I often share links on Twitter, but without the context I’d love to give to each one. A few recent stories of the power of peer connection around health and well-being: Washington Post: Butterfly babies : A rare disease makes these young girls’ skin break and peel at the slightest touch, like a butterfly’s wings As […]
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