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. Before you think I’m crazy, let me explain. I’m not talking about financial aid or priority…
My Bitter & Best Friend: MG — Sarah Bendiff
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.
Featured Post
My worst fear happened this week. The antibodies whose presence often helps diagnose myasthenia gravis (MG) disappeared in my latest blood test. My heart felt like it had stopped. Not because I felt better. Not because something changed in my body. But because I was suddenly afraid of losing…
Traveling was one of my biggest fears after my myasthenia gravis diagnosis in 2019. If I got tired at home easily, what would navigating an airport and exploring a bustling city feel like? A few years ago, when my father suggested my sister and I visit a European country…
I must be transparent with you from the start: I’m not writing this because my cat isn’t cuddly and doesn’t love me the way I love her. I’d like you all to meet Philotte, the Persian cat I consider my daughter. I never used to be a cat person, or…
The day I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG), the doctors briefed me on the essentials: symptoms, treatment plans, and what to expect from life with a chronic illness. But what no one mentioned is that one autoimmune disease often acts like a magnet, attracting other conditions like uninvited…
My bitter and best friend myasthenia gravis (MG) takes up a lot of space in my life: in my relationships, my daily routine, and my career choice. I’ve also realized that it’s completely transformed my appearance, as well. Can you believe this disease can affect our sense of style…
The first thing I did when I started college was to search for clubs and associations where I could volunteer. Back then, I believed that even if I wasn’t wealthy, I had my health and time to share. Volunteering was my way of contributing to the world, of proving to…
We all like to observe others in subways, buses, or streets, and when I do it, I find myself asking, “What are they thinking about? How is their life going? Do they have the same problems as me, or are theirs worse?” I’m confident that many of you think of…
Last year, I woke up to terrible news: One of my colleagues had passed away. Although I didn’t know her personally, I knew she’d lived with a chronic illness and was an advocate for those with her condition. Her death was sudden and unpredictable, and I felt numb and choked.
If you’ve read my diagnosis story, you know it took me a decade to find out I have myasthenia gravis (MG). But why? Didn’t I see professionals? I did. Weren’t they familiar with MG? They were. Were my symptoms unclear? Absolutely, or this journey wouldn’t have been so…
Even though my symptoms started early, I couldn’t make a strategic plan for higher education because I wasn’t diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG) until my second year of college. I’d chosen my dream career: physics. You might think of Stephen Hawking as the perfect example of a disabled person…
Ahead of every family reunion, plan, and event, I fear saying the famous “I’m tired, I can’t” — not because of how it might affect me, but because of how others might react. Normally, I’d be “selfish” and preserve my energy, but in these moments, I feel like I’m in…
It’s been five years since I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG), an autoimmune neuromuscular disease. MG makes me feel tired and short of breath, and sometimes I struggle to speak clearly. It feels like yesterday when I was diagnosed, and I believe I still need to know more…
Explore More Columns
Discussion
Discussion
Discussion