My Beckers Story

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Welcome to the My Becker's Story blog!

Join me as I share my Becker Muscular Dystrophy Story.

My name is Brad Miller I am a freelance journalist living with Becker Muscular Dystrophy, a condition which limits my ability to walk and gets progressively worse over time. I created the My Becker's Story blog in 2010 to share my story and to help raise awareness about Muscular Dystrophy. Along with sharing my story I also raise awareness about accessibility and the issues people with disabilities face. When it comes to the My Becker's Story blog even though the focus is on Becker's Muscular Dystrophy I also want to encourage those affected by other conditions even other forms of Muscular Dystrophy to join in as well. I truly believe when we join "Together" we can make a difference in our communities and raise even more awareness about Muscular Dystrophy and the issues people with disabilities face. The main focus behind the My Becker’s Story blog is to tell my story in hopes that it will somehow help those living with Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy, as well as their families and friends.

What people are saying about the My Becker's Story blog:

"Hi there, I also suffer from BMD. Just read the blog and the first half is like reading my personal history!!"

"I ran across your spot today, you sure have a lot on here I will have to check in a lot. I also have BMD and everything you say resonates deeply."

"I am also in my mid-30's with Becker's from the UK so thought i'd join and say hello! Struggling with all the same things as mentioned in the blog!"

"I am new to this group. Just want to say it is nice to meet people who understand."

"I love your blog and it is nice to know there are others out there facing the same challenges as I do each and every day."

If you would like to read my personal story about growing up with Becker Muscular Dystrophy please click on the image below.

When it comes to living with Becker's Muscular Dystrophy I intend to take what I have been through in my life and some how use it to help those going through a similar situation. When it comes down to it the main idea behind My Becker’s Story is to help those like me who are living with Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy, by creating a place for us to connect. I truly believe that we are in this "Together". And I believe that with every one’s help that together we can help raise awareness about Muscular Dystrophy around the world.

Muscular Dystrophy and MS are different medical conditions, so why the confusion? , Muscular Dystrophy Perspectives: Brad , A look at what I like to call "Weak Days" , Dealing with the Progression of Muscular Dystrophy & We are in this "together"

The Walk for Muscular Dystrophy

Team Brad at the Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy

Along with sharing my story I also aim to make a difference in my community. Since 2010 my friends and family have joined "Team Brad" in support of my efforts to raise funds that benefit people like me who are living with Muscular Dystrophy. The Durham Region Walk supports Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s mission to enhance the lives of those affected by neuromuscular disorders. To learn more please (Click Here)

Thank you for visiting the My Becker's Story blog!

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Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Dealing with the loss of a child or loved one

When it comes to the loss of a loved one or a child there is nothing in life can prepare you for such a loss. Sadly I have faced this kind of a loss twice; the first happened in January of 2009 when my wife and I were ready to welcome our new baby girl into the world when we lost her to stillbirth due to complications that arose during the 36th week of my wife’s pregnancy. You could only imagine how heart breaking it can be when you are only a few weeks away from welcoming your child into the world, when you find yourself surrounded by nurses who are desperately trying to find your babies heartbeat, only to be told that the unthinkable has happened. Nothing really prepares you for such a devastating loss. Sadly my wife and I have faced this same situation twice as exactly one year later when we tried again we lost our second baby girl to stillbirth. This left us both devastated and heart broken. I now know first hand that nothing in life can really prepare you for the loss of a child or a loved one. This kind of loss can hit you hard especially when it comes unexpectantly - but I guess it really doesn't matter if you are prepared or not as the loss of a child or loved one can
turn your life upside down.

It’s in these times when you learn how important your family and friends truly are. To be honest without the support of our family and friends during this time I really don't know how we would have been able to get through it. The one thing I was most thankful for was how fast our family rushed to be by our side at the hospital both times while we were going through such a difficult time. They were there through it all and after we arrived home from the hospital various family members & friends were there to comfort us by preparing meals and checking up on us while we were grieving this devastating loss. I am sure if you have ever lost a child or a loved one that you can relate to the times when you just broke down and cried. This happened quite often for us and I remember many occasions when my wife and I would wake up in tears in the middle of the night. It truly was the hardest thing we ever had faced in our lives. I guess shedding tears is just a part of the grieving process and I have to admit that I have never cried so much in my life - sometimes to the point that I

could hardly breathe.

The truth is you never really get over this kind of a loss. Even today there's not a day that goes by that I don't miss my two baby girls. Sometimes I find myself looking back thinking about what could have been and what my life would be like now if they had never passed away. These moments usually arrive at certain times throughout the year and include Mother’s Day and Father’s Day for obvious reasons. It's these special day’s that only help to remind us of what we have lost. At times I find it extremely hard especially when I see parents spending time with their children; I just hope they really know how lucky they truly are. The truth is no one really ever gets over the loss of a child or a loved one you just have to go on living your life without them and that can be difficult part. As I grow older it tends to get a bit easier to accept but there is no doubt I will always miss my two baby girls who we chose to name Bella & Eva. If there is one thing I have learned over the last few years it's that family & friends play a vital role when it comes to grieving the loss of a loved one or a child.

Related Posts:
A little bit about me the author of the My Beckers Story blog & My Faith and Disability

Join the My Becker's Story blog on social media

Sunday, April 7, 2013

The My Becker's Story "Question of the week"

Introducing the My Becker's Story "Question of the week". A great new way to interact and provide helpful information to others living with Muscular Dystrophy.

Question:

If you had one piece of advice to give to someone who was recently diagnosed with Becker's Muscular Dystrophy or for a parent of a child diagnosed with BMD or any other form of Muscular Dystrophy what would it be?

You could possibly share a few tips or whatever you like, after all it is all about joining together to make a difference in the lives of others affected by Muscular Dystrophy.

Please feel free to answer this weeks question below or join us on Facebook today to see some of the answers that we have already received.

www.facebook.com/mybeckersstory

Have a Question you would like us to ask? Please submit your questions to the My Becker's Story blog at: my-beckers-story@hotmail.com

Join the My Becker's Story blog on social media

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Team Brad Joining "Together" to make a difference in 2013

Team Brad at the 2012 Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy

This year Team Brad & the My Becker's Story blog is excited to be getting an early start fund raising in support of the 2013 Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy. Team Brad is participating in the 2013 Walk for Muscular Dystrophy to raise awareness and help to enhance the lives of people affected by Muscular Dystrophy. As you know one of the main reasons why I participate in the Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy is due to the fact that I was diagnosed with Becker Muscular Dystrophy a condition which limits my ability to walk and gets progressively worse over time. That is why I am happy to report that over the last few years Team Brad has been able to donate close to $2000 in support of Muscular Dystrophy Canada. Fund`s that go a long way in supporting Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s mobility equipment program and also helps to fund ground breaking research which will one day lead to a cure.

As you can see "Together" we have an amazing opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Canadians like myself who are living with Muscular Dystrophy.

The Walk is also a great opportunity for you to join "Together" in support of a family member or friend who is living with Muscular Dystrophy. Each year it truly means a lot to me when my family and friends support Team Brad`s efforts, after all its the one time of the year I get to join together with my family and friends in support of a cause which is

so close to my heart.

Please consider helping us make a difference in 2013 by supporting Team Brad at the Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy.

Please visit Team Brad`s Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Team page at:

http://muscle.akaraisin.com/durhamregionWMD2013/teambrad2013

Consider making a donation today!

Great news! The Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy is a family fun event which includes activities for the entire family along with snacks, refreshments and even prizes donated from the local community. So you will not want to miss this years Walk for Muscular Dystrophy.

May 26th, 2013

at the Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy

at Heydenshore Park, in Whitby, Ontario 10am

Monday, February 11, 2013

Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy - May 26, 2013

The Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy is a family fun event that helps raise funds in support of Muscular Dystrophy Canada. Funds raised support their mobility equipment program, information, education and advocacy initiatives, and fund ground breaking research with the hope of one day finding a cure. The Walk for Muscular Dystrophy includes activities for the entire family along with snacks, refreshments and even prizes donated from the local community. The Walk for Muscular Dystrophy is a great opportunity to join "Together" with your family and friends in support of Muscular Dystrophy Canada's national signature event. So why not join your community by participating in the 2013 Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy.

Share your story for a chance to WIN!

In 2013 the Walk for Muscular Dystrophy is holding its very first Video Contest giving you the chance to let everyone know why you are taking part in your local Walk for Muscular Dystrophy. Videos will be posted on their YouTube page and promoted through social media to help raise awareness about the walk. The Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Video Contest draw will take place once all events have completed, on October 22, 2013. Each video submitted will be entered into a random draw for a chance to win a $200 Visa gift card.

Create your own Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Team

Team Brad

Teams are the heart of the Walk for Muscular Dystrophy. By building a team, you are not only adding to the day of celebration but are also making a difference.

Teams are made up of friends and family, work colleagues, classmates, or a combination, to motivate, inspire and challenge one another to achieve a common goal - making a difference in the fight against Muscular Dystrophy. Its a great way to get people excited about the event and more importantly it goes a long way in helping to raise awareness throughout the community.

So recruit your friends, family and colleagues and share in the experience "Together" by participating in the Walk for Muscular Dystrophy!

You can register your Team at:

www.walkformusculardystrophy.ca

Sponsor a Participant or Team

Make a difference and motivate walk, wheel, roll and run-ers by making a donation in support of their efforts. You can play a vital role in improving the lives of people living with Muscular Dystrophy, their families and caregivers through your donations. After all funds raised at the event supports Muscular Dystrophy Canada's mobility equipment program and fund ground breaking research with the hope of one day finding a cure. Your support really helps to make a difference in the fight against muscular dystrophy.

Community Sponsors

Community sponsor Jack Astor's in Whitby, Ontario

Since the day of it's inception the Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy has received support from the local community. Sponsors such as Jack Astor's in Whitby, Ontario have helped to make the Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy a great success. Many sponsors have joined us over the year's and just last year we added Serve Photography and Mackie Harley Davidson to that list. To everyone who has sponsored the Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Thank you!

Join us at the Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy

Sunday May 26th, 2013

Kiwanis - Heydenshore Park,

Whitby, Ontario

Registration 10am

Walk Starts 11am

For more information (Click Here)

Muscular Dystrophy and MS are different medical conditions, so why the confusion? ,

Getting to know Muscular Dystrophy Canada &

My personal story growing up with Becker's Muscular Dystrophy

Join the My Becker's Story blog on social media