Added by Christine Piacentino on August 13, 2012 at 8:21am — No Comments
Last week I participated in a pod cast called Kitchen Table Conversations with HerSelf First. I really enjoyed the conversation with Sheila Moeschen, Kathy Kinnett, and Kris Hersom. It was truly an enlightening conversation! Click here to listen to the Podcast.
As I was preparing for this conversation, I realized that a lot of time is spent focusing on my son. As…
ContinueAdded by Christine Piacentino on May 10, 2012 at 11:30am — No Comments
For the past month I felt like the old TV show MacGuyver more so than normal or the line from Project Runway, “Make it work!” At the end of March I finished a five year assignment in Buffalo NY. I live in Rochester, NY. For anyone that doesn’t know how far that is, from my home to my office I logged approximately 176 miles round trip; about three hours a day driving. Most people…
ContinueAdded by Christine Piacentino on May 5, 2012 at 7:41am — No Comments
Jon’s second semester at college has been rewarding and frustrating. While Jon is on campus, things are a little easier. Jon has a power chair that is stored on campus and he can navigate independently. Jon doesn’t have a power chair yet permanently. He can still walk and get in and out of a regular car, with a little help. However, getting power chair of his own and an…
ContinueAdded by Christine Piacentino on March 18, 2012 at 1:52pm — No Comments
My family has made advocacy part of our End Duchenne agenda for many years. My daughter Kat, Jon, and I have always tried to attend the advocacy conference. This year Kat and I will attend; but Jon’s college studies will prevent him from attending. Biology, Analytical Chemistry, and English are taking up his free time. Jon really wants to make sure he doesn’t miss any of…
ContinueAdded by Christine Piacentino on February 9, 2012 at 5:47pm — No Comments
Having sons with Duchenne forces us into advocating for services, equipment and optimal health care. In reality, whether we are getting services for our son at school, dealing with insurance companies and doctor’s in trying to get the best care, or meeting with staff and members of congress we are advocating. In 2000 when Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy first organized their advocacy efforts in Washington DC, my family felt it was important to meet with our members of congress. By the…
ContinueAdded by Christine Piacentino on January 4, 2012 at 6:39pm — No Comments
Added by Christine Piacentino on November 19, 2011 at 12:00pm — 2 Comments
Ever since Jonathan was diagnosed with Duchenne, I’ve often wondered and reflected on what his life would be like. I’m always surprised and impressed with his can do attitude.
As we looked at colleges and careers, Jon made the decision to live at home on his own. I was worried that he was making his choices based on what his Dad and I thought. When we discussed living away…
ContinueAdded by Christine Piacentino on October 9, 2011 at 9:19am — 4 Comments
Added by Christine Piacentino on September 5, 2011 at 7:30am — No Comments
I attended the PPMD Annual Connect Conference earlier this month. Each year I always try to come away with something concrete This year I found the session entitled Herself First very helpful and informative. It was of course geared toward Mom's caring for Duchenne guys. However, I think women in general need to be able to concentrate on themselves. Women in general are usally taking care of everyone one their families and neglect themselves. One of the points from this…
ContinueAdded by Christine Piacentino on July 23, 2011 at 10:00pm — No Comments
This month has been extremely busy! Jon has fully particated in the senior events this past month leading up to graduation. Senior Ball, Senior Bash and the Senior Convocation Ceremony. Jon has always had a fighting spirit. He made a decision early on not to let Duchenne get in his way. We had an issue with the Convocation Ceremony causing Jon not be able to stand from the seat he was sitting in. The chairs in the auditorium have…
ContinueAdded by Christine Piacentino on June 26, 2011 at 2:00pm — 5 Comments
My knowledge and my ignorance were highlighted over the past couple of months.
We changed Orthotists. Jonathan for many years wore custom made night splints and shoe inserts. The new othotist explained to us how poorly made Jonathan’s old inserts and night splints were and how they really were not helping him. The night splints were heavy and caused his legs and feet to sweat. The shoe inserts were not helping and caused his feet to come out of his shoes. All this time we…
ContinueAdded by Christine Piacentino on May 17, 2011 at 9:57pm — 9 Comments
Jon finally became and Eagle Scout in February. Achieving this honor took 12 years and 33 Merit Badges, the Rank of Brotherhood in the Order of The Arrow. His Eagle Scout Project involved his love of nature and biology to build Bat Houses. Jon’s service coordination for DDSO in NY State is thru Heritage Christain Home. Heritage Christian Home supports independent living centers, a working farm and a therapy riding stable. Jon built a demo bat house, and 6 other bat houses for one of the…
ContinueAdded by Christine Piacentino on February 27, 2011 at 6:24pm — 2 Comments
My advocacy efforts started very early on. It all started at the PPMD Annual Conference, when Dr. Lee Sweeney said “To improve lives of patients with Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy the real change would have to come from the government through the National Institute of Health. Awareness about Duchenne and Becker needs to be increased within the NIH community”. I did not know any one at the NIH so I decided to contact my Congressional representative. In 2000 it was…
ContinueAdded by Christine Piacentino on January 13, 2011 at 2:30pm — No Comments
"Faith is the very first thing you should pack in a hope chest." ---- Sarah Ban Breathnach…
ContinueAdded by Christine Piacentino on January 8, 2011 at 11:40am — 3 Comments
Added by Christine Piacentino on November 11, 2010 at 4:00pm — No Comments
This past month was a series of ups and downs. At the end of July PTC released an update on the Ataluren Data at International Congress of Neuromuscular Diseases. The information was similar to that released before. The low dose study showed benefit versus the high dose. There was really no timeline determined…
ContinueAdded by Christine Piacentino on August 24, 2010 at 10:00pm — 9 Comments
Over 4th of July weekend Jon got a couple of phone calls from his friends. That weekend was pretty busy. But, phone calls for Jon to attend parties are rare; we almost never give up any opportunity for him to attend a party with his friends. We always try and make it work.…
ContinueAdded by Christine Piacentino on July 21, 2010 at 7:06am — 2 Comments
Added by Christine Piacentino on July 10, 2010 at 7:30am — 1 Comment
In the weeks leading up to the conference call with PTC on May 27th all I kept hearing in my head was the chorus from a song from the musical Jesus Christ Superstar – What's the buzz?
Tell me what's a-happening?…
Added by Christine Piacentino on June 9, 2010 at 9:30am — 2 Comments
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