Posts by: Michelle Gonzaba

Growing up, for lack of a better term, is very weird. I no longer understand what’s cool or not, I now repeat phrases my mother says (“All of these rappers ... Read more

September 8, 2021September 8, 2021

Asking for Help Is Never a Sign of Weakness

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

I’ve never been great at asking for help. Ever since I was a kid, I always thought that asking for help meant I wasn’t as smart as everyone else. I ... Read more

September 1, 2021September 1, 2021

You Don’t Have to Feel Guilty for Missing Life’s Big Moments

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

We’ve all experienced a time in our lives when we missed an important event. Maybe work prevented us from attending a family get-together, or perhaps celebrations were too far away ... Read more

August 25, 2021August 25, 2021

How Myasthenia Gravis Changed the Way I Define Success

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

For as long as I can remember, my definition of success hasn’t wavered much. It didn’t matter if I was playing in a Little League game or preparing for a ... Read more

August 18, 2021August 18, 2021

Years Later, I’m Learning How MG Affected My Family

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG) at the self-centered age of 19. Ah, 19, that beautiful age when we think no one else in the world has worse problems ... Read more

August 11, 2021August 11, 2021

Making the Tough Decision to Sit Out the School Year

COVID-19 Columns, Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

For the past three years of my life, August has been one of the most stressful months of the year. For others, August often is the beginning of that weird ... Read more

August 4, 2021August 4, 2021

How I Learned to Avoid Letting My Emotions Affect My Health

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

Doctors’ appointments aren’t among my favorite activities, but they are necessary when weird symptoms occur. Before I had myasthenia gravis (MG), doctors’ appointments were rare for me. Except for physicals ... Read more

July 28, 2021July 28, 2021

The Olympics and Golf Helped Me Find Hope Despite MG

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

While I have never been the most athletic person in the world, I’ve always enjoyed playing various sports. I am a veteran of top leagues, including YMCA basketball and Little ... Read more

July 21, 2021July 21, 2021

How Meditation Helped Me Manage Anxiety

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

For most of my life, I’ve been wary of meditation, which involves various mind exercises that help to build happiness and shrink stress. Perhaps I could blame my negative attitude ... Read more

July 14, 2021July 14, 2021

I Grieved for Both My Past and Future After My MG Diagnosis

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

When I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG), it took me a few months to accept that my body would never be the same again. It took even longer to ... Read more

July 7, 2021July 7, 2021

How MG Taught Me to Put Kindness Before Judgment

COVID-19 Columns, Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

Myasthenia gravis (MG) really enjoys hiding from other people. While a droopy eyelid is easy to observe, most of the other symptoms are not noticeable to outsiders. Weakness in the arms, ... Read more

June 30, 2021June 30, 2021

Some Myasthenia Gravis Symptoms Scare Me More Than Others

COVID-19 Columns, Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

When I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, I did what most people would do: I Googled my new rare disease and came to the instant conclusion that I would die ... Read more

June 23, 2021June 23, 2021

PTSD and Me: How a Myasthenic Crisis Changed My Life

COVID-19 Columns, Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

Some events in life are like a door hinge: They are so transformational that they cause you to swing entirely in a different direction. For example, years before I began ... Read more

June 16, 2021June 16, 2021

How a Myasthenic Crisis Affected My Ability to Empathize

COVID-19 Columns, Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

If I asked 10 people to describe what being a “good friend” means, I would probably hear 10 different responses. But while these responses would be diverse, I’d guess that ... Read more

June 9, 2021June 9, 2021

MG Awareness Month Helps to Inform Those Looking for Answers

COVID-19 Columns, Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

When I discuss myasthenia gravis with new acquaintances, I usually get shocked faces and confused looks. I don’t blame them — MG isn’t exactly one of the most well-known rare ... Read more