Milestone

Today is a very big day in my life. I'm doing something that seemed impossible at many times in my life. That somethijng is me turning 30.

I was born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which is a life threatening muscle disease. When I was diagnosed in 1980, the prognosis for my future was pretty awful at best. The doctor's were telling my parents that I'd be extremely lucky to live past my teens. I guess there were different plans for my life.

My life has taken me many places and through many ups and downs. My family and friends have made the tough times easier to bear and the good times even more memorable. I will always be grateful for that.

Modern medicine must be thanked for my 30 years. Using a ventilator has given me
the opportunity to keep on living and the reason to dream for the future. It has also given me the chance to meet others that are sharing the same experience.

It's been a great ride and I can't wait to see where the road goes. Have a good day!

Mark (The Nodakwheeler)