Posts by: Betty Vertin

Summer! The best time of year for my kids. We are currently counting down the days left of school. In Nebraska, school is out for summer break by the middle ... Read more

May 6, 2022May 6, 2022

How I Learned Not to Borrow Tomorrow’s Trouble Today

Muscular Dystrophy News Columns

I had one of those moments that hit you hard with a dose of the future last week. And those hits hurt. I was pushing my baby daughter, Callie, in ... Read more

April 29, 2022April 29, 2022

Why Pool Therapy Is Part of Our Care Plan

Muscular Dystrophy News Columns

I write my columns on Tuesdays. I do this because I procrastinate. My deadline is Wednesday morning, and I’m not about to wake up early on Wednesdays to get it ... Read more

April 22, 2022April 22, 2022

Helping My Little Ones Understand DMD

Muscular Dystrophy News Columns

I’m late to pick up the kids from school a lot now. I haven’t always been this way, though. Last year, I’d arrive 10 minutes early every day and use ... Read more

April 15, 2022April 15, 2022

How Theater Has Helped My Son Navigate Friendships

COVID-19 Columns, Muscular Dystrophy News Columns

My family has been on the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) journey for almost 12 years. During that time, I’ve quietly watched how friendships and making friends have changed for each ... Read more

April 8, 2022April 8, 2022

When Smiles, Celebration, and Duchenne Coexist in Harmony

Muscular Dystrophy News Columns

Celebrate? Yes, we do. There was a time when I didn’t think celebrating and Duchenne muscular dystrophy could coexist. I thought a life touched by Duchenne would be voided of ... Read more

April 1, 2022April 1, 2022

Learning How to Parent Through the Traumas Caused by DMD

Muscular Dystrophy News Columns

During Mass on Sunday, the priest talked about an aspect of faith that acts as an infusion for the soul. As a mother of three sons with Duchenne muscular dystrophy ... Read more

March 25, 2022March 25, 2022

The Importance of Teaching Our Children to Self-advocate

Muscular Dystrophy News Columns

I’ve had a conversation with my son Rowen, 13, that we continue to revisit, and I feel like it’s something all parents raising kids with Duchenne muscular dystrophy deal with ... Read more

March 18, 2022March 18, 2022

The Duchenne Community Is My Safety Net When I Feel Lonely

Muscular Dystrophy News Columns

I set aside time every week just for me. Every Monday for an hour, I sit in a small chapel at my church. I use the time to read, pray, ... Read more

March 11, 2022March 11, 2022

A Love Letter to the Cough Assist Machine

Muscular Dystrophy News Columns

This column is my love letter to the cough assist machine. I love the assistive device and what it does for my three sons, Max, Rowen, and Charlie, who live ... Read more

March 4, 2022March 4, 2022

The Waiting Game Can Be Tough to Play

Muscular Dystrophy News Columns

My family has had a hectic week. It started out lovely; the entire family, all nine of us, spent a beautiful, springlike day together at the zoo. By Sunday evening, ... Read more

February 25, 2022February 25, 2022

Who Are the Rarest of the Rare?

Muscular Dystrophy News Columns

The adjective “rare” refers to an event, situation, or condition not occurring very often, not found in large numbers, and consequently of interest. For example, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is ... Read more

February 18, 2022February 18, 2022

The Chance of Having Only One Son Without Duchenne MD

Muscular Dystrophy News Columns

My husband and I have four sons, but I spend most of my energy in this column writing about the three who have Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). I often wonder ... Read more

February 11, 2022February 11, 2022

Learning to Balance Caregiving and a New Baby

Muscular Dystrophy News Columns

Living with a rare disease like Duchenne muscular dystrophy is more than doctors’ appointments, medicines, and wheelchairs. It affects every aspect of my family’s life. When I started writing this ... Read more

February 4, 2022February 4, 2022

My Sons’ Birthdays Stir Up My Emotions

Muscular Dystrophy News Columns

January is birthday month at our house. We have four birthdays in January. That’s almost half of our family celebrating their arrivals on the planet in the same month. Our ... Read more