INDIVIDUAL WITH LGMD: Felix
LGMD "ENTREVISTA EN PRIMER PLANO"
Nombre: Felix Edad: 35 yrs. old
País: Brazil
Subtipo LGMD: LGMD2A / Calpainopathy
¿A qué edad le diagnosticaron:
Me lo diagnosticaron a los 11 años.
¿Cuáles fueron sus primeros síntomas?:
My first symptoms included: falls, tiredness, walking on my tip toes. Plus, I could not keep up with other people my age in physical activities.
¿Tiene otros familiares que padezcan LGMD?
Yes, I have a sister with LGMD2A
¿Cuáles crees que son los mayores retos de vivir con LGMD?:
The biggest challenge was having to adapt to the changes of my body, developing forms of defense against probable falls, tactics when going up and down stairs, care not to tread lightly on some obstacles, and always seeking a chair for support – especially when getting up from a chair and the floor. I am always trying to be careful of anything that could bring me down.
¿Cuál es su mayor logro?:
I learned to play the guitar! This was a great challenge because the difficulty was enormous – especially when holding the instrument and making the movement with my arms to play the strings of the guitar. This can be very tiring but still, I can do it.
¿Cómo le ha influido la LGMD para convertirse en la persona que es hoy?
Life with LGMD has taught me and teaches me today to fight and to give more value to life. Surviving in such a difficult world takes a lot of effort and it makes me a better person especially when dealing with others. There are situations in which we live that only those who share in the same struggle actually know and understand. There is a purpose of God in all the lives of this world. I think LGMD may have given me a feeling in life, the biggest challenge I could have. We are opponents, and like every good fight, I intend to fight to the end – winning, of course!
¿Qué quiere que el mundo sepa sobre la LGMD?:
The world needs to know about LGMD, as the people are living with this disease. It is important to be aware of how to help the cause. Knowing that does not make us better or worse than other people who have physical limitations. And hopefully, in the near future, the world will know the greatest of all news – – that there is a cure for this disease!
Si su LGMD pudiera "curarse" mañana, ¿qué sería lo primero que desearía hacer?:
If I was cured tomorrow, I would glorify the name of God. I would do things like play football as well as climb stairs and sit and stand up without help from anyone. It is these simple day to day activities that most people do not really give much attention but are dreams to those of us in wheelchairs. A cure will be an epic victory, one that will be read in history books.
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