Intervista con i riflettori della LGMD

Nome:  Dylan                                  Età:  28 years old

Paese:  United States of America

Sottotipo LGMD:  LGMD 2J / R10 Titin-related

A che età è stata fatta la diagnosi: 

I was diagnosed at the age of 23.

Quali sono stati i primi sintomi: 

I started noticing how “normal” things got increasingly difficult for me to do – walking up flights of stairs, standing up after sitting on the floor, jumping and squatting. I had constant muscle fatigue and would randomly fall. After I lost the ability to run and the falls became more frequent, we knew something was up.

Avete altri familiari affetti da LGMD: 

Nope. I am the one and only!

Quali sono, secondo lei, le sfide più grandi da affrontare nella convivenza con la LGMD?:

It is a cruel disease because not only does it naturally take away our strength and mobility, it tries to take away our hope and our control over our own life. While our bodies deteriorate daily with no treatment or cure in sight, it is easy to feel defeated and neglected. I believe that to be one of its biggest challenges – keeping our head above water. That is why it is so especially important to stay positive and live life to YOUR best ability, no matter what that looks like!

Qual è il suo più grande risultato:

I have been incredibly lucky and fortunate to be able to travel the country (44 states) playing music with some of the best guys in the world. Not sure how much longer I will be able to do that, but it has been a dream come true. I am also a proud graduate of Texas Christian University (Go Frogs) and I was a state champion in chess when I was a boy. I also think I am a rather good dog dad!

In che modo la LGMD l'ha influenzata nel diventare la persona che è oggi:

It teaches me new things every single day. I have gained a lifetime’s amount of perspective in such a short time. I have become a better problem solver. I am much more patient with myself and others. I appreciate every moment and every single step that I have left. I smile more and look at the clouds and treat everyone gently now. Try to be someone’s hero. Besides suffering from LGMD, I am the luckiest man alive with the best family and friends anyone could ask for.

Cosa volete che il mondo sappia della LGMD?:

That we are people with goals, aspirations, passions, and feelings – just like everybody else. A lot of us were once pretty “normal” too. If everyone knew what hoops and hurdles had to be jumped through for someone with LGMD just to get through their normal daily routine, people would start to understand how tough and resilient our community is. They would realize that this is a community and disease worth fighting for. So be an advocate while researchers and scientists get these mysterious diseases figured out!

Se la vostra LGMD potesse essere "curata" domani, quale sarebbe la prima cosa che vorreste fare?:

I would run around in the yard with my dog, dance with a nice and pretty lady, play some baseball with my friends, and probably climb a mountain just because!

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