Posts by: Young Lee

With great effort, a woman pulls herself up from a wheelchair and into the back seat of a car. Her body is weak, and she can’t seem to move her ... Read more

August 31, 2021August 31, 2021

Why I Decided to Get New Parking Placards

Charcot-Marie-Tooth News Columns

I got a new handicapped parking placard a few weeks ago. Two, in fact, as the old one had expired. I even splurged on nice plastic covers to protect them. ... Read more

August 24, 2021August 24, 2021

I’m Remembering to Observe Changes in My Body When in Motion

Charcot-Marie-Tooth News Columns

I have a memory of my brother and me from at least two decades ago, when I was a small child. My brother and I are relaxing on the couch ... Read more

August 17, 2021August 17, 2021

An Old Walking Stick Helps Me Move Faster, Reduce Soreness

Charcot-Marie-Tooth News Columns

My brother, 14 years my elder, tells me he remembers once losing track of 6-year-old me during one of our family trips to Washington, D.C. Specifically, it was at the ... Read more

July 20, 2021July 20, 2021

I’m Seeking Learning Opportunities as I Expand My Exercise Regimen

Charcot-Marie-Tooth News Columns

“No, it’s not really my thing,” I responded to a friend and self-admitted “gym junkie” in college when he offered to show me the ropes in weight training. These days, ... Read more

July 13, 2021July 13, 2021

Defusing the Memories That Weigh Me Down

Charcot-Marie-Tooth News Columns

I’m a pretty happy person living a very relaxed life. Nevertheless, some of my memories make me cringe, cause me grief, and prod me with regret at inopportune times. When ... Read more

June 29, 2021June 29, 2021

The Importance of Seeking Balance and Saying No

Charcot-Marie-Tooth News Columns

People often say that toddlers love the word “no.” While I don’t have any children of my own, all of my experiences interacting with toddlers tell me those folks may ... Read more

June 15, 2021June 15, 2021

Managing Frustrations When Fatigue Gets in the Way

Charcot-Marie-Tooth News Columns

When I started cleaning my place, I thought I’d finish in one evening. I didn’t think that was an unreasonable expectation. An evening is how long it usually takes. However, ... Read more

June 8, 2021June 8, 2021

Paying Attention to the Hope, Joy, and Love in Our Lives

Charcot-Marie-Tooth News Columns

I don’t love having Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). In fact, if there was a surefire way to rid my body of its symptoms, I would certainly be interested. However, my life ... Read more

May 25, 2021May 25, 2021

I Don’t Fear the Word ‘Disabled’ — I’m Embracing It

Charcot-Marie-Tooth News Columns

“But you’re not really disabled.” I’ve heard those words, or words to that effect, a few times in my life. Folks have always said this to me with good intent, ... Read more

May 18, 2021May 18, 2021

Be Patient With Me, I’m a Slow Walker

Charcot-Marie-Tooth News Columns

When I was in college, Facebook groups and communities with names like “I want to punch slow walkers in the head” or “Slow walkers deserve to be kicked” were pretty ... Read more

May 4, 2021May 4, 2021

I’m on the Hunt for a New Pastime to Keep Me Active

Charcot-Marie-Tooth News Columns

When a batter hits a baseball in just the right way, the impact makes a sound that’s pretty darn satisfying. It’s the distinctive “crack” that many folks think of when ... Read more

April 20, 2021April 20, 2021

If Words Are Weapons, I Don’t Want to Be an Unwitting Warrior

Charcot-Marie-Tooth News Columns

If I’m going to wield a weapon and fight in a war, I want to be conscious of the intricacies of the weapon I’m supposed to wield. And I’d certainly ... Read more

April 13, 2021April 13, 2021

Receiving an Offer of Help Reminded Me What It Means to Be a CMTer

Charcot-Marie-Tooth News Columns, COVID-19 Columns

I had just exited the county building after getting my second shot of the COVID-19 vaccine and was making my way across the parking lot toward my car. Then I ... Read more

April 6, 2021April 6, 2021

Home Cooking Videos Showed a New Side of CMT Symptoms

Charcot-Marie-Tooth News Columns

I’m no Gordon Ramsay. And it’d be insulting to actual professionals if I were to call myself a chef or even a home cook. However, I do feel fairly comfortable ... Read more