From the heart of North Africa, Sarah Bendiff shares her journey with myasthenia gravis. Diagnosed in 2019 after 13 years of searching for answers, she had to step away from her physics studies as her body resisted treatments. The digital opportunities that arose during the COVID-19 crisis in Algeria allowed Sarah to rebuild. Through digital marketing and content creation, she found strength and resilience, channeling her creativity to thrive in a remote, connected world.
There’s a French saying I’ve always loved: “croquer la vie à pleines dents,” which literally means “to bite into life with full teeth.” It’s used to describe someone who lives passionately, who devours every…
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Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with various alternative therapies. Not everyone will have the same response to these methods. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. During a…
I discovered my love of cooking when I was 12. While I enjoyed every part of my learning journey, my mom didn’t fully trust me in her kitchen, so I didn’t get to cook…
Seventeen years of living with myasthenia gravis (MG) has made me a pro at navigating daily life. I’ve learned how to handle both routine tasks and high-pressure days because being sick doesn’t mean…
When I was a kid, I had a list of things I wanted to do when, as the adults used to say, I’m “old enough.” I haven’t forgotten that list, because now I am…
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world fast from dawn until sunset, meaning no food or drink for anywhere between eight and 12 hours, depending on the region. It’s the holiest…
When I was a kid, still waiting for my diagnosis, I remember overhearing doctors say, “It might be an orphan disease,” “It could be rare,” “This might be a special condition.” At that time,…
Here we are again: I have new symptoms. And no, I am not excited about seeing more doctors. After spending 10 years searching for a diagnosis before finally finding out I have…
Whether it’s a work meeting, family gathering, or friendly meetup, I always feel the need to mention that I might have to cancel due to my chronic illness. But most people don’t seem to…
For the longest time, I thought the biggest obstacle to driving would be my foot pain. I never considered that myasthenia gravis (MG) would affect my ability to drive. My foot pain —…
Like many others, being diagnosed with myasthenia gravis was a turning point in my life. Before my diagnosis, school sports were a nightmare. Running, basketball, and other…
I often talk about strength and resilience because I feel a deep need to share these traits with others who are navigating chronic illnesses or invisible disabilities. Motivating and inspiring others is a blessing…
Some people think disabilities are just excuses and free-pass cards that come with countless advantages. After a recent experience, I’ve realized they might be right sometimes — but not in the way they think.
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