Join me as I share My Becker Muscular Dystrophy Story!

My name is Brad, a Canadian blogger and author living with Becker Muscular Dystrophy. Join me as I share my story openly and honestly in an effort to help raise awareness and understanding not only of Becker Muscular Dystrophy but about the issues those with disabilities face

My Beckers Story originally launched in 2009 and features stories from my childhood and teens all the way into my early forties living with BMD. It also features blog posts about adapting to the challenges posed by living with a rare disease. So please join me on my journey through life and living with Becker Muscular as I hold nothing back by sharing every victory and defeat while providing a few tips along the way.

I would also like to encourage you to check out my self-published book entitled Fighting Towards Victory - now available on Amazon. A book where I take a deeper look into my life and growing up with Becker Muscular Dystrophy.

If you are looking to learn more about Becker Muscular Dystrophy, dealing with a recent diagnosis or simply aim to find ways to overcome the challenges of life you will certainly benefit from reading a story about facing life's challenges head on and the ability to never give up no matter what comes your way. After all, a life lived with Becker Muscular Dystrophy can be challenging at times. Though that is not all I shed light on in this book as I also share the many ups and downs in life I have faced such as surviving childhood bullying to later in life suffering some devastating losses.

To order a copy of Fighting Towards Victory please visit

linktr.ee/fightingtowardsvictory

My main motivation behind my book Fighting Towards Victory is to help make a difference by raising awareness and understanding not only of Becker Muscular Dystrophy but our ability to overcome the challenges of life. So no matter what you are facing in life, always keep fighting towards victory. Even if sometimes that victory is just making it through the day.

To continue following along on my journey please join

My Beckers Story on Instagram & Facebook today!

Getting to the Heart of Becker Muscular Dystrophy

Living with Becker Muscular Dystrophy often involves anticipation of the condition worsening. Many individuals experience concern about heart-related issues, which, although manageable, remain a significant concern for many. This underscores the importance of regular heart check-ups. It is essential to acknowledge that heart-related complications are a potential aspect of Becker Muscular Dystrophy, and awareness of these facts is crucial.

Research & Hope for the Future

Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD) can impact individuals in various ways. While some may be able to walk or use mobility aids in certain situations, others may have lost the ability to walk. Currently, a study by Edgewise Therapeutics is underway with the hope of developing a treatment to slow the progression of BMD. This significant study has the potential to lead to future treatments for other forms of Muscular Dystrophy. If they discover a method to protect our hearts, it could benefit the entire Muscular Dystrophy community.

While there is a serious aspect to living with Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD), we can remain hopeful that advancements in research will benefit not only future generations but also those currently living with Becker. Although there are certainly challenges associated with living with a progressive disability, it is important to focus on the potential positive outcomes from ongoing studies. Looking to the future with hope for good results from current research is essential.

Throughout my life with Becker Muscular Dystrophy, I have found a positive aspect in meeting others who are living with the condition. Our community is often very supportive, willing to help each other through both the good and bad times. There have been many occasions where I have received valuable advice from fellow individuals with BMD, which has helped me navigate difficult periods.

One challenge we encounter is dealing with family or friends who may not fully understand the issues we face, particularly when we are at a less visible stage of living with Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD). They may make insensitive remarks or show a lack of understanding regarding why we can no longer visit their homes due to obstacles like stairs or other barriers. Living with any disability can be frustrating, as it often involves dealing with challenges that those without disabilities do not experience. This can be quite stressful, which is concerning, especially given the potential heart-related issues associated with BMD.

This post emphasizes the importance of supporting our community and helping others understand the lives we lead. It also highlights the need for doctors and other healthcare providers to be well-informed about Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD). Increased awareness and knowledge will contribute to improved care and better outcomes for everyone living with BMD. Ultimately, like everyone else, we deserve the best possible care and greater understanding from those we share our lives with.

To learn more about Edgewise Therapeutics and their efforts please visit https://edgewisetx.com/ 

To learn more about life with Becker Muscular Dystrophy consider getting a copy of my book "Fighting Towards Victory" Available on Amazon by visiting https://linktr.ee/fightingtowardsvictory

Words Matter: Always think before hitting that send button!

This story highlights the importance of carefully considering our words and messages when communicating with other members of the disability community. 

Initially, I chose not to disclose one of the primary reasons for my anxiety resurfacing. By sharing this story, the individual who unintentionally triggered my anxiety will recognize that I am referring to them. This post is not meant to criticize them, as they likely did not understand the impact of their messages. People often believe they are being helpful, but their actions can also have unintended consequences. Such as taking away all my self-confidence.

It all started wherever I posted about suffering a fall or injury, this person would always message me, insisting that I needed to be in a wheelchair. They repeatedly told me that I was going to break my leg or ankle and never walk again. This constant messaging instilled fear in me every time I left the house, making me believe their predictions would come true. Eventually, this led to debilitating anxiety, preventing me from going anywhere. 

Now, I use a mobility scooter, although I still have the ability to walk short distances. I firmly believe that individuals living with Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD) know when it is time to use a wheelchair or a mobility scooter. As I have mentioned before, what works for one person with BMD might not work for another. Some may not have reached the stage that requires full-time wheelchair use. Many individuals with BMD live in an intermediate stage, where they can walk but also need mobility aids such as a cane, mobility scooter, or wheelchair.

I have to say, I've never sent messages to people warning them that something bad is going to happen to them. It's just not healthy to scare others like that. I wish more people understood that deciding when to start using certain mobility aids is a personal choice. Now I definitely want to do everything I can to avoid any life-altering injuries, which is why I already use a cane and a mobility scooter. It's totally okay to remind someone to be careful, but it crosses the line when you tell them something bad will happen if they don't start to use your preferred mobility aid. We really need to think before we make comments or send messages that might not be helpful and might unintentionally cause worry and fear.

I guess we all need to think a bit before posting comments or sending messages. It’s important to make sure we don't accidentally cause any harm with our words.

I don't have anxiety, I'm just a professional overthinker!

Not to make light of anxiety because it sucks. I simply realize I tend to overthink about upcoming situations, a simple thing like visiting the dentist or doctor makes me worry about getting stuck in the elevator I need to use. Going to a restaurant I worry about having to use the bathroom and the difficulties that would create for me. I worry about traveling and having to deal with inaccessibility or me being put in situations where I can't help myself. I worry about falling when taking the garbage out, my main concern there being nothing for me to climb up on to get myself back up. Worry about falling in the shower, the list goes on.

I pretty much over think everything. When your body starts letting you down and you can't help yourself in certain situations the mind starts to race. I currently can't get up from a chair unless I have something sturdy to push off of. A few years ago while doing that my arms gave out and I landed on a corner of a coffee table hitting my ribs pretty hard. Thankfully no injury. So you can see everything I do physically comes with risk.

Even when I am using my mobility scooter it doesn't completely ease my mind, it certainly led to some anxiety when it stopped working at the bottom of a hill. Yes I have range anxiety when using my mobility scooter. Thankfully on the day it stopped working after 15 minutes I saw the button on the front of the battery which reset it and I was back on my way. In that situation everything worked out.

I do realize a lot of my worry is for nothing as often my worse case scenario never happens. I guess this is a post sharing my frustrations in dealing with anxiety. It's not fun and what makes it worse is those who refuse to understand it. If I could control it I would and there are times I am successful at doing that. Does anyone else understand where I am coming from? Just know if you do I fully understand.

I guess we all have our good days and bad days but hopefully like me you're determined to keep fighting knowing it's normal to worry and be cautious, these are normal emotions we quickly label as anxiety. But I prefer to call myself an overthinker. It sounds less severe than using the word anxiety. I don't know if this post even has a point? Maybe I am posting this to see if there are others out there who understand.

Many cities not keeping up with accessible parking needs

Currently feeling the growing pains of a city that’s not keeping up with accessible parking needs. As our community expands, so does the need for more accessible parking spaces. Yet, it seems the focus is on EV charging stations (that often don’t work) rather than ensuring everyone can park safely. Have you ever noticed that EV charging places rarely offer accessible parking spaces? It’s a clear sign that the needs of people with disabilities are often being overlooked.

I know posts like this might not resonate with everyone, but I’m curious – is anyone else struggling to find accessible parking? While places like Wal-Mart do a great job, many plazas and busy malls are falling short. Don't they realize these spaces are crucial for our safety and independence. 

As our communities grow, it's essential that every city and business keeps pace with the accessibility needs of customers with disabilities. After all this is important in allowing those of us with disabilities to continue to move freely and confidentiality within our own communities.

Some people need to realize that accessibility isn't a one-time fix; it's an ongoing journey. Every few years, they must update and improve accessibility standards to meet the needs of those living with disabilities in their communities.

The most significant obstacle for people with disabilities during winter

The most significant obstacle for people with disabilities during winter is the sheer ignorance of those who refuse to salt or shovel snow from sidewalks and parking lots.

In many cities, residents are given eight hours after a snowfall to clear snow and ice. A more effective policy would mandate that by 8 AM, landlords, homeowners, and anyone responsible for a sidewalk or parking lot must begin clearing snow and ice. The primary cause of winter injuries is negligence.

If you see a parking lot or sidewalk that hasn't been properly cleared, report it to the city so the property owner can be fined. The era of tolerating these winter barriers is over. If you fall or injure yourself on someone's property, contact a lawyer immediately. Only when people are penalized for their inaction will they start to take our needs seriously and remove these barriers that many with disabilities face during winter.

The biggest flaw in my city is that when you file a complaint against a property owner, you must provide your name and number, and there's no guarantee the property owner won't find out and retaliate. During winter, anonymous tips should be allowed without requiring personal information, especially when it can result in someone getting a fine.

If property owners are aware that the city won't enforce snow and ice removal bylaws, what incentive do they have to comply?” Sadly, in many communities, people with disabilities are forced into hibernation during winter due to others' inaction.

All property owners need to step up and commit to proper snow and ice removal during the wintertime. Where I live, the parking lot will be a sheet of ice, while a business across the street will be completely cleared of snow and ice. That's what all properties should look like.