MY BECKERS STORY

Welcome to the Original My Beckers Story

2024-01-15T10:38:00.020-05:00

Originally launched in 2009 after suffering a work-related injury. I started sharing my story about living with Becker Muscular Dystrophy here on the My Beckers Story blog. This year celebrating 14 years of raising awareness of Muscular Dystrophy and the issues those with disabilities face. When I first started I never thought I would reach over 100 blog posts written or see over 420,000 people visiting My Beckers Story.

If you are visiting My Beckers Story for the first time please use the links above to read through my journey and living with Becker Muscular Dystrophy. Now a few years ago I launched an updated version of the My Beckers Story blog making it more user friendly which is available by visiting https://mybeckersstory.blogspot.com

In November of 2023 I self-published my book Fighting Towards Victory a book sharing my entire life story. It takes you through my childhood and teens up in to my mid-forties. A book that helps to show you that life is often about persevering through the challenges life brings. I hope you will consider ordering a copy available on Amazon using this special link https://linktr.ee/fightingtowardsvictory

My New Book Fighting Towards Victory - Available on Amazon

2024-01-14T19:25:00.010-05:00

Well I wrote a book! A dream at times I thought wouldn't be possible but after months of pushing through I have self-published a book entitled "Fighting Towards Victory" Now available on Amazon!

This certainly is a huge victory for me, one I thought at times wouldn't be possible to achieve! But in life we are all fighting towards a goal. It really doesn't matter who you are, we all have something we're dealing with. In my case it started early on in life when I was diagnosed with Becker Muscular Dystrophy. While it's only part of my story it hasn't been the only thing bringing challenges into my life. Sure we all enjoy a few victories along the way and at times we may face things that stop us in our tracks. Still we often make it through with a never give up attitude. I've certainly faced many ups and downs, some which should have broken me. Yet I am still here fighting so what I hope you get from reading my book is that overcoming the challenges of life is possible and that no matter what you are facing in life to always keep fighting. Even if sometimes that victory is just making it through the day.

So if you are looking to learn more about Becker Muscular Dystrophy, dealing with a recent diagnosis or simply aim to find ways to overcome the challenges of life I think you will enjoy reading a story about facing life's challenges head on and the ability we have to never give up no matter what comes our way.

I truly hope you consider ordering a copy of Fighting Towards Victory!

Available on Amazon Please (Click Here) to order your copy today!

On a Mission Fighting Towards Victory over my Anxiety

2024-01-12T11:16:00.000-05:00

Now when it comes to my issues with anxiety it's been something I've faced all my life. Now I am not usually an anxious person but looking back even into my teens certainly things would make me uncomfortable. Growing up I always dreaded having to give a presentation at school. I would just fear all my class-mates staring at me. Even in high-school if it was presentation day I would simply take a sick day.

As you can see I've always dealt with being anxious in certain situations. I truly hated being the centre of attention then I decided to pursue a career in music which meant performing in front of people. I remember the first time and coming close to calling it off moments before me and my friend got on stage since I was facing some major anxiety but I got through it and enjoyed it. Completely odd right since I was so nervous in many other situations yet I chose to put myself in a situation where I'd be required to perform in front of a crowd.

Over-thinking leads to missed opportunities

After I graduated high-school and thanks to my dad who worked in advertising who at the time was working for Midas who ran ads during a popular car show airing on TSN I had the opportunity to spend the day with the entire crew. We went out on a shoot of the Mazda MPV and I thoroughly enjoyed getting a look behind the scenes and getting to know everybody. Their studio was located about an hour away in downtown Toronto. Now here where my nervousness and over thinking get the best of me and end up ruining what could have been a life-changing opportunity. Their video editor offered to teach me video editing but never took advantage of this amazing offer all due to me being nervous about needing to drive downtown on the highway. I could only imagine what might have happened and where I'd be today if I didn't pass up on what many might view as an opportunity of a lifetime. I guess I could say I have a few regrets.

In the examples listed above you could say in those situations it's normal to be a little anxious after all many of us would react this way when being pushed outside our comfort zones. To be honest the anxiety I dealt with in my teens was normal and didn't keep me from getting out of the house or stop me from socializing. Though at times it kept me from getting to know some amazing people and stopped me from taking advantage of some great opportunities. Now thankfully over the years I have made some good friends and absolutely enjoy getting together with friends and family and never get nervous as being surrounded by people I know seems to take all my worries away.

Anxiety related to aging with Becker Muscular Dystrophy

Now a few years back I faced major issues with anxiety related to me turning forty and feeling like I haven't accomplished anything I thought I would have by that point in my life. I really envisioned a different life than the one I have now. I thought I'd own a home but a work-related injury in my early thirties ended that dream and now with the cost of living it's completely out of reach. Anyways it was when I turned forty I started dealing with anxiety related to living with Becker Muscular Dystrophy. I started worrying about my heart and reading about the complications others were facing and began thinking I'd find myself in the same situation when in reality everyone's story even for those living with Becker Muscular Dystrophy.

Sadly one day my anxiety related to living with Muscular Dystrophy ended up with me in the emergency room thinking something was happening. Long story short they completed all the testing and it came back that nothing was wrong. So they sent me on my way with a referral to a local heart specialist who completed an echocardiogram and even had me wear a heart monitor for 48 hours. Again the results showed everything was perfectly fine. At that moment a lot of my anxiety disappeared as I was relieved to find out I was worrying for nothing.

Sure over the next few years I faced normal worries and concerns mainly around travelling as I simply don't like driving long distances. I especially don't enjoy driving down busy highways which is required whenever we visit Niagara Falls.

Other issues may revolve around winter and the risks of slipping and falling but that's things I consider normal to worry about. I do wish I could live carefree but living with Becker Muscular Dystrophy especially now I have to be extra careful in avoiding falls or putting myself in situations that put me at risk. I don't become obsessive about it but simply need to take everything into consideration when venturing out on any journey with accessibility always being a concern but again I consider these normal things to think about.

Now fast forward to today and recently some anxiety has returned. Unfortunately it actually ended up ruining most of 2023 for me so now I am on a mission to find a way to overcome my issues with anxiety. So you could say I am currently Fighting Towards Victory over my issues with anxiety as this is one victory I hope to be able to celebrate very soon.

If you have tips for overcoming anxiety please feel free to share them. Doing so could help me and others trying to find ways of one day celebrating victory over the anxiety they are currently facing.

Please if you haven't already consider checking out my book Fighting Towards Victory written to help encourage everyone to keep fighting no matter what they are facing!

Visit linktr.ee/fightingtowardsvictory

Dealing with the Progression of Muscular Dystrophy - I want my muscles back!

2024-01-11T11:09:00.000-05:00

Lately I've found myself saying I want my muscles back. I simply want to be able to do the things I once did with ease. I want to be able to go to events without worrying about a lack of accessibility. I truly long to return to that carefree person I used to be. I've just noticed recently that as my muscles grow weaker it ends up taking away a lot of my self-confidence.

I guess I am starting to feel defenseless against Muscular Dystrophy now knowing in many situations I might not be able to help myself. With the common concern being what if I fall or lately the biggest frustration being my inability to use some public bathrooms not due to a lack of accessibility but due to weakened leg muscles which severely limit me and my ability to get up from a seated position especially if there isn't anything for me to push off of. It just takes one experience of struggling physically to make you wish you could have the muscle strength back that you have lost.

Like many I often pray and hope for a day when they find a huge breakthrough in Muscular Dystrophy research. One that allows all of us to rebuild the muscle strength we've lost. Sure this is a dream of many but it often seems so far off.

So to all the researchers, doctors and charities I want to thank you for all you are doing in support of our community. To all the parents fighting hard for their sons and daughters, thank you for your passion and dedication to help all of us win the fight against Muscular Dystrophy. To everyone living with this thank you for sharing your stories and supporting those of us trying to make a difference by helping to show everyone we are truly in this together. My hope is that one day I may be able to say thank you for helping me get my muscle strength back!

The Perks of Getting Up Early in the Morning

2021-11-17T13:46:00.002-05:00

A perk of being up early meant being the first customer in the grocery store! A short little trip to grab a few items for tonight's supper!

To be honest I get nervous going to the grocery store alone due to all the walking as I'd prefer the ability to use my mobility scooter. I think about what would happen if I fell? Would they have to call the paramedics to pick me up off the ground? It's a scene I've played out in my mind so many times.

Some may say I worry too much but living with a muscle-wasting disorder results in constantly having to think about your needs. With entryways and smooth parking lots of any store I visit being very important. As even the smallest incline can cause me to trip and fall so not being able to use my mobility scooter means for now having to avoid certain stores.

Another concern when visiting a store or event is someone unintentionally bumping into me as the slightest bit of contact can result in me collapsing & falling to the ground. Actually a few years ago while playing a game with friends someone hip checked me - I instantly fell to the ground. They felt so bad & apologized immediately. A simple mistake on their part and I wasn't upset with them. It's just unexpected things can happen such as a bump or even a pebble on the ground that I might step on causing me to go down. At least for me walking at this point in my life takes a lot of consideration which quickly gets tiring.

Now thankfully this morning there were no crowds or line ups which meant no extended periods of time standing. This definitely helped me. So if you want to limit your risks it might be best to visit a grocery store in the morning. The major benefits being no lines and the ability to use accessible parking. For some it might be easier to schedule a grocery pickup or if you can afford it delivery.

Thankfully on this day as of 8:30 AM this morning my errands for the day are done!

Thank Goodness for my tough Tooshie aka my Gluteus Maximus

2021-10-13T14:45:00.002-04:00

It might sound funny but over the years my rear end has taken a beating from all the falls I've experienced over the years!

Now I know this is an odd subject to be discussing but in my case when ever I fall I usually collapse landing directly on my butt. Sadly this exact thing happened over the weekend as I was exiting someone's home, the second I placed my foot on the very first step my leg was too weak to support me and the next thing you know I went down collapsing between two steps.

Unfortunately I landed on my rear end collapsing with such force I started thinking well I hope I didn't dislodge any of my vital organs. I seemed okay except for the scrape on my ankle but my next thought was thank goodness for my tough tooshie or tushy whatever spelling you prefer. Still this fall was truly frustrating, especially since it happened on a day I was doing pretty good physically but sadly ended off the day experiencing a real wake up call when my leg gave out and I went down.

Then comes the task of getting back up which is a chore in itself. Especially with my arm muscles being weak, then the next step is crawling up onto my knees which can end up being pretty painful especially when doing it on such a hard surface. Then I need to turn around to face the steps so I can slowly crawl back up and onto my feet. It took about three tries to work myself back up. It makes me think I need to travel with a portable ramp so I can use it when needing to get up a few steps into someone's home.

Some might say if you can no longer do steps or stairs then why do you put yourself into these situations. It simply comes down to not wanting to miss out on the good things in life. See we simply don't want to let our issues get in the way. But this way of thinking usually ends up with us paying dearly for not putting our safety first. Thankfully on this night I walked away with a sore butt and a scrape on my ankle and I am very thankful it didn't end up much worse because a simple fall could change my life instantly.

This is the main reason behind me starting to use a mobility scooter. It's all about safety which has also led to the need of trying to raise the funds needed to get a minivan so I can transport it and use it around my community. The facts are you never get used to falling so maybe it is time for me to admit it's better to miss out and just stay home instead of having to use steps and stairs - or win the lottery and build an accessible home so everyone can just visit me. Oh wait, we stopped playing the lottery after being on a 20 year losing streak so in all honesty it would take a true miracle to turn that dream into a reality.

Sorry this is just me sharing a few frustrations from a life lived with Becker Muscular Dystrophy.

Why consideration for people with disabilities is so important

2021-09-14T10:42:00.004-04:00

Though currently limited to only being able to use my mobility scooter on the sidewalks outside my apartment building at least I can join my wife and mom on their walks. But only being able to use it close to home means rolling down the sidewalks in my neighborhood which has ended up exposing a few things.

See just the other day within two minutes of rolling down the sidewalk, just ahead I noticed an obstacle in my way. It was a lady who thought it was a wise decision to completely block the sidewalk with her pick up truck. She did this so it would be easier to take her groceries inside. This meant I had to go down someone else's driveway onto the street to get by. Then to my surprise a few minutes later had to deal with another pickup driver who clearly saw me coming yet still decided to park blocking more than half of the sidewalk in front of me which meant I had to squeeze past partially on the grass.

Now I know this happens all the time but it is true some have a complete lack of care for people with disabilities often placing their own personal needs before everyone else's. Sure some may think blocking a sidewalk is no big thing but it definitely helps to expose the selfish and inconsiderate people of the world. Even when they see you coming never offer to quickly move their vehicle and no apologies for being in your way. They think it's okay to do this since they will only be a few minutes but it is in these moments when we tend to be rolling down the sidewalk.

This same attitude is often applied when these same type of people quickly stop illegally in an accessible parking space to run in a store or like I saw years ago an UberEats driver using these spaces to pick up someone's delivery order. It all comes down to respect and in many cases this isn't something people with disabilities receive.

Let's be honest most people don't care about us, they aren't concerned about us struggling to survive financially due to Government Disabilities Supports Programs that take away a large part of our income support if you are lucky enough to find someone accepting enough to marry you. No one cares about the financial stress this places on the marriage especially when people with disabilities tend to face inflated costs in obtaining everything we need just to survive. Then they wonder why it seems like so many people with disabilities are in need of help.

Just think the same ones calling us lazy or telling us to get a job don't understand the discrimination we face, many of us not even making it passed the interview process. Plus if these same people had a company they wouldn't hire us either. These are the same people who refuse to clear their sidewalks during the winter time yet wonder why we're always focused on the need for improving accessibility.

Well it looks like this post turned into a rant but these are the kinds of feelings that get stirred up when facing these types of situations. I just wish more people would take the time to consider our needs and start showing us the respect we honestly deserve. I also wish more people would practice kindness instead of selfishly remaining focused on their own needs.

Simply put, some people need to start doing better.

Facing extreme difficulties in getting up from a chair

2021-09-14T10:41:00.002-04:00

What you don't know is that after this photo was taken I faced extreme difficulty getting up from what was a very comfortable outdoor chair. See it was a hot day and I was pretty tired so I wanted to relax choosing the wrong chair not realizing how difficult it would be for me to get up and back on my feet.

Unfortunately my first attempt was a complete failure as I couldn't even use my legs to lift my butt off the seat, so I tried and tried again yet again no success. It actually took 10 minutes to come up with a solution which happened to be grabbing a kitchen chair which sat just a little higher, thankfully I was able to transfer onto this chair. It really helped as I then used the back of a pickup's tailgate which was down and directly beside me, I used it as support - and I was finally able to work myself back up and onto my feet.

See way too many people unknowingly look at a photo like this thinking there's a strong man (well at least I hope) not knowing the true difficulties I face and the efforts it takes for me to just get out of a chair. Now after reading this story I am sure you can understand the worry and fear I face of falling in public. Just imagine how much harder it is for me to get up off of the ground.

Now this doesn't mean I need to call it quits and just stay inside as thankfully such things as my mobility scooter can reduce these types of risks.

Sure plenty of us living with Muscular Dystrophy and other conditions depending on our current point of progression can look just like anyone else. Hey I have had many people judge me simply due to some being completely ignorant to the reality I face. Simply judging me by how I look.

So why am I sharing this? To let everyone know not all disabilities are visible and to stop judging people with whatever condition it might be & to take the time to read our blog posts to better understand our community.

Walking under the influence of Becker Muscular Dystrophy

2021-08-23T11:38:00.000-04:00

When walking with Becker Muscular Dystrophy it can often look like we are walking as if we were drunk, this since we tend to follow whatever way our legs want to take us, in a way staggering along the way. This becomes more apparent whenever we are really tired. I share this as I remember another friend living with BMD who said once someone called the police on them because they saw him "Walking with Becker Muscular Dystrophy" to his car and drive away, thinking he was under the influence, well yes under the influence of weakened leg muscles. So all he was really guilty of was walking with Becker Muscular Dystrophy.

See for many of us due to our weakened leg muscles and if we are still walking we tend to have trouble walking in a straight line - at least that is my experience. So to the untrained eye they automatically see our way of walking as a sign something must be wrong, this as we simply walk in whatever direction our legs want to take us. So if pulled over by the police we would definitely fail a roadside field sobriety test being that we are unable to walk in a straight line or even balance on one foot.

So I always wondered what I would say if someone called the cops on me claiming I was drunk driving - this is when I would say; " Sorry officer I am not drunk, I am just guilty of walking with Becker Muscular Dystrophy."

But what if they didn't believe 🤔 me? I guess the cops 👮‍♂️ would just arrest me! 😳 Now thankfully I could just share with them a photo of my mobility scooter and my accessible parking permit and they would have to let me go right?

Even throughout the challenges life is still good

2021-08-05T00:21:00.002-04:00

Throughout the challenges life is still good! Sure some days are better than others with some resulting in us feeling like giving up. But we often fight through with the hope better days will come.

Just last week I had two really good days, physically I felt great but this week I've been having a few rough days. The things of the world getting to me, a lack of sleep along with the current challenges I face in getting a minivan. One frustration is a long trip I will be taking and having no option of bringing my mobility scooter along. This means having to be extra careful to not push myself beyond my limits.

Hey but I have faced worse challenges in my life, plenty of losses, uphill battles that I thought would break me but I am still here. See in life patience is truly key especially when dealing with the hard moments in life. I still need to learn to stop placing so much pressure on myself. To accept the things that are no longer possible in my life, home ownership will never become a possibility, just like winning the lottery is a hopeless dream, but I am happy to still be able to enjoy life despite the disappointments and things I have lost.

Sure some say we are not warriors but after all I've been through and the challenges I face I believe I am in a battle fighting every day through this thing called life as I stand firm in believing MD won't Stop Me after all its about adapting to the changes as they come!

A look at the efforts to redefine the word walking

2021-08-04T23:26:00.004-04:00

First I need to explain what the "How I Walk Movement" is all about, it's an attempt to rebrand the word walking. They say it's about challenging individual and societal perspectives. To them they feel there's a need to promote walking as an inclusive physical activity term that is individualized. Claiming there are various ways to walk, and that now is the time to rebrand the word walking so that everybody is included in walking initiatives.

This seems to imply an inability to walk is a bad thing. Why are we trying to fix things that aren't problems? You walk or roll, I am not walking when I am using my mobility scooter. Saying I am walking when I am not will just confuse people. It will take the focus off people's needs for mobility aid devices. Walking is already made inclusive when we use our certain mobility aids whether it's a wheelchair or scooter.

Why not address real problems instead of creating issues where there never was one. This is as dumb as me going out on my mobility scooter and telling everyone I went for a walk today. Or going for a drive in my car and claiming I went for a run today!

We need to address the real issues like fighting for more acceptance of those with all abilities and the equipment they need and not the pointless rebranding of the word walking. Not everyone can walk and that's okay, I am pretty sure they don't feel left out, are we forgetting about the freedom and independence mobility aids like wheelchairs and scooters bring in allowing us to join the walking. I will not claim I am walking when I am not, doing so doesn't help me raise awareness of Muscular Dystrophy.

In my opinion rebranding the word walking is simply not needed. I think this falls under the definition of stupidity. Let's stop trying to change things that don't need changing!

What do you think?

My mobility scooter isn't how I walk, it's how I get around. I won't claim that I can walk if I am unable to.

So is this complete BS or are they onto something?

Born not to run, but to walk slowly and very carefully

2021-07-25T20:50:00.003-04:00

As a child running was always difficult for me. Even all these years later I still remember the very last time I ran but it definitely wasn't for fun. See it was to keep from getting beat up by a skinhead who was trying to impress his girlfriend by harassing me. It certainly wasn't easy but I had no other option but to try and run, thankfully I ran into a townhouse complex close by for safety and thankfully he didn't follow me.

It certainly wasn't easy and I nearly lost my backpack as this happened when I was walking home from high school. After this I was pretty tired but walked the rest of the way home constantly looking behind me to see if he was following me. Thankfully I was able to get home safely. Yet another situation where I probably never shared this with my mom when I arrived home. I honestly kept a lot of my bullying experiences to myself.

Another memorable time I tried to run was when I joined my friends and they decided to run across four lanes of traffic. I proceeded to join them but this resulted in me immediately falling in the middle of the road. Now thankfully no cars were coming but if there were it could have ended pretty badly. After that day I decided to permanently retire from running. With Becker Muscular Dystrophy being the main factor.

Thank you for believing my story has value & is worth sharing

2021-07-06T09:51:00.003-04:00

Often men are told they have to be tough, to not complain & to refrain from showing any emotions. From the start I have decided to share my story openly & honestly as I truly have nothing to hide.

I am not one to lie and have always believed in telling the truth. That is why I never hold anything back. You won't see an Instagram account filled with faked or forced smiles, if I am facing frustrations I will share them, if I am having a great day I will post about. If I have a need to be fulfilled I won't hesitate to ask for help. As I truly believe we are in this together.

I simply want to give everyone the most authentic look at life living with Becker Muscular Dystrophy. Sure it's a major focus but I am also more than just a person with a disability but someone just navigating through life doing my best to handle all the challenges that come my way.

My feed will be filled with the issues I am currently facing again holding nothing back staying true to myself and bringing the honesty of my story and I thank those joining along on my journey!

I also want to thank those sharing their stories as well, many who I follow. As I also enjoy reading everyone else's stories and following those who do so honestly. I too have learned so much about other people's stories and I am thankful for social media and the opportunity it gives us to join together!

The Benefits of being able to use my Mobility Scooter

2021-06-28T16:17:00.002-04:00

Recently I learned a valuable lesson about the importance of having the ability to use my mobility scooter. See with this being the first year of starting to use a mobility scooter I simply wanted to share more about the benefits it brings. This to raise awareness of how important mobility aid devices are to those with physical disabilities.

The biggest lesson I have learned so far came this past Saturday when we were invited on an unexpected walk. This is when the inability to bring my mobility scooter along comes into play. On this day the heat and humidity quickly added in a little bit of drama to my day. At first I was fine but all of a sudden exhaustion started setting in. Something that tends to result from me always having to be laser focused on the ground ahead of me, scanning for anything that might trip me up. Unfortunately all the concentration involved in walking these days tends to have a negative affect on my entire body. The main result is that it simply depletes me of all of my energy.

It’s obvious that this results from me placing so much stress on my muscles that they quickly reach their breaking point. Unfortunately not being able to use my mobility scooter on this day had me on the edge between standing and feeling like I was going to pass out and fall to the ground. All this due to my body's muscles feeling completely overwhelmed. Experiencing this had me impatiently waiting for a return to our vehicle so I could sit back down, with the added benefit being the opportunity of getting to enjoy some life saving air conditioning.

Thankfully soon after this we were able to return home but still the exhaustion and fatigue was getting the best of me. I was honestly feeling like a zombie. So immediately as I walked in the door of our apartment I felt like going to bed but instead began refueling my body, first by drinking plenty of water and quickly throwing together something healthy to eat. Thankfully after about a half hour I started feeling better but still felt like I should be recovering in bed.

This biggest benefit of using my mobility scooter

Surprisingly about an hour later the idea of going for a second walk was raised, definitely not by me but this time I had the opportunity to use my mobility scooter. After all, we were just going out around our neighborhood. At first I was reluctant as I thought it would result in me depleting all of the energy I had just regained. But I went along anyway which resulted in a valuable lesson in how important and even life saving the ability to use my mobility scooter can be.

The biggest benefit being that it 100 percent prevented any of the exhaustion and fatigue that I had faced earlier in the day. The difference was like night and day and I was truly amazed, no depletion of energy and I actually felt perfectly fine. It helped to prove the benefits of us being able to use our important mobility aids. In my case it ended up taking all the pressure off of my body enabling me to get out there and enjoy what was a beautiful day.

That is why I am so passionate about funding a minivan to transport it in, it's not about me trying to gain anything for free as this truly isn't a want but a need. One that will bring about more freedom and independence allowing me to get out there and start enjoying life pretty much worry free.

Always Thankful for Improvements in Accessibility

2021-06-10T14:55:00.002-04:00

It was nice to get out over this past weekend, I was very thankful for a cool breeze blowing on such a hot day. Now I was reluctant to go out at first due to the heat but decided to go anyway.

When we arrived at Parkwood I noticed they made some improvements including paving what used to be a dirt pathway - this is a major improvement in accessibility for wheelchair & mobility scooter users!

Like most I am always impressed when I see improvements in accessibility. It actually brings about feelings of joy and excitement to me. I know that seems odd but that's just how I feel.

Also since starting to use my mobility scooter I now fully understand how important smooth pathways are for wheelchair & mobility scooters users. See when I join my wife and mom on their walks, there's a large portion of unpaved pathway that we travel along. My mobility scooter can barely handle all the bumps and rocks that fill this pathway, I actually hate having to travel down it.

Now I fully understand the costs involved with paving it but when using a pathway so close to home you want it to be smooth and accessible to everyone. After all we are way more safer using our mobility scooters on pathways then on the sidewalk or even the streets. It's also a great way to get close to nature. So hopefully they have plans to pave it in the near future.

Anyways accessibility is very important to people of all abilities. It just makes getting out in our communities that much easier. Thankfully there are quite a few pathway systems I can visit in and around my community. That is why I can't wait to get a minivan so I can take my mobility scooter everywhere I need, as it would allow me to start enjoying the beautiful days whenever they arrive.

What I really can't wait for is large gatherings to be allowed again as I could bring my mobility scooter to the race track to cheer on supporters of Laps for Muscular Dystrophy.

Get a job you Bum! A look at Employment & Disability

2021-05-17T14:58:00.004-04:00

This was a comment once left on a blog post where I was speaking about the Ontario Disability Supports Program and it's flawed and somewhat discriminatory rules. One's that definitely hurt those with disabilities like me from being able to play a role in financially contributing to my household. See when living with a disability that affects your ability to work you often find people, some even close friends & family who ignorantly assume you must be lazy and simply choose not to work.

To be honest this comment really didn't upset me but just confirmed the ignorance so many of us face. See my inability to work actually resulted from my disability and suffering a work-related injury in the form of tendinitis. An injury workers compensation decided to blame on my pre-existing condition of Becker muscular dystrophy. This led to them cutting me off from receiving any and all benefits including physiotherapy, after this that was it for me. With my injury not improving I had to make the tough decision to stop working and seeing a major drop in my income.

Even all these years later some days when I over do it the tendonitis returns leaving my upper shoulders and rotator cuff in excruciating pain. Best way to describe it is that it feels like someone is actually trying to rip my arms off. It's truly debilitating.

So when someone leaves such an ignorant comment it can be frustrating but I don't get mad. as I'm sure others have faced this type of ignorance as well. My only message to those judging us for not having a job is instead of judging us and trying to bring us down, take the time to learn about the issues we face. They need to open their minds to the fact that some of us can't work and that many with disabilities who want to work also face discrimination, leading to an uphill battle in finding anyone willing to give them a chance.

See before leaving nasty comments these people really need to take the time to learn about the issues affecting those with disabilities. As it's better for them to educate themselves and try to help, if they're not willing to do that then they should stay out of our comment sections. It's definitely better for them to read our stories and join us in fighting for more job opportunities for those who want to work and better government support for those who are unable to.

Facts are with everyone’s help and the disability community working together we might just end up improving the lives of future generations.

The main benefits of my pride mobility scooter

2021-05-13T06:30:00.000-04:00

Never be afraid or ashamed to use any mobility aid. Sure my first time using my mobility scooter I was worried what people might think, I know I shouldn't care but for some of us starting to use these things is a major step.

I say never be afraid to use a mobility aid, all I know is my mobility scooter has changed my life and most people don't even notice you like you think, as you pass some people they may even wave 👋 or say hello.

To be honest all the ableism talk had me worried about people mistakenly saying rude things like; "You don't need that scooter." But this hasn't happened yet. I am sure while many do receive ablest comments still many of us don't, but if anything like that happens to me I will let everyone know!

All I know is I am thankful for all safety & peace of mind my mobility scooter brings.

We're just trying to adapt to the challenges muscular dystrophy brings

2021-05-11T12:27:00.001-04:00

My wife does so much for me & Muscular Dystrophy certainly adds some unique challenges to our relationship. I am sure for her seeing your husband slowly losing the ability to do things most take for granted can result in so many different emotions and even a bit of frustration.

I truly believe she is so strong as she has faced her own challenges in life, especially related to her blood clotting disorder. Yet she still works long days and at times acts as my caregiver. The only one in my life always running to my aid whenever I fall. She takes care of many different tasks, mainly doing all the heavy lifting and things I can't do, but I always do my best to pitch in. With me on some days over doing it pushing myself to do physically demanding chores around the home - all in an effort to help her out. But unfortunately I end up paying for it by dealing with the exhaustion & fatigue that follows the next day.

See I am trying to make her life easier and one thing that will really help is the move to a fully accessible place to live. Up first though would be the ability to upgrade our current vehicle for a minivan. This is the one thing that would allow me to bring the mobility scooter with me when needing to go to the store on my own, taking away the worries of me suffering another nasty fall. See the more I can do independently removes the pressure of her feeling like she has to do everything.

As you can see Muscular Dystrophy definitely brings its own unique challenges but thankfully there are solutions to every problem. At this time for us it's upgrading our current vehicle to a minivan. This is the current need we face that if fulfilled would make our lives so much easier - along with the ability to move to somewhere accessible and we would be set. But as with anything in life a lot of patience will be required.

In the end like most we're just doing our best, trying to adapt to all the challenges Muscular Dystrophy brings.

A quick update on my ability to walk

2021-04-12T14:08:00.003-04:00

When it comes to walking in recent years it has come with an increased risk of falling. A real wake up call came two years ago when a small pebble caused me to fall scraping my knee and elbow pretty badly. It actually took two men to assist me in being able to get back up. Then on a walk with my wife a year later I suffered another nasty fall after coming across some uneven pavement. At that point I decided I had to stop going on walks with my wife. Now the last wake up call came after a long day of walking resulted in me experiencing debilitating hip pain for two weeks. I knew at that moment it was time to start using a mobility scooter.

See these days if I push myself too far now I pay for it dearly, even a visit to my local Costco can be physically overwhelming. Over the last few years I’ve even started using the shopping cart like a walker as it keeps me from falling if and when one of my legs starts giving out. I simply have to spend so much energy focusing on not falling, I often get to the point that my legs start getting weak making me feel like I should be sitting down. This has often led to moments of near panic and me wanting to rush out of the store immediately.

Now whenever I am having a tough day which I often refer to as a “Weak Day” having the ability to take my mobility scooter would be essential in me avoiding the fatigue & exhaustion that comes from me walking too much. So yes I can still walk but have to be very careful now, as a simple fall could result in me never walking again. One last example I will use is whenever I am visiting a doctor's office I now have to remain standing because if I sit down it is near impossible for me to get back up.

So I now find myself in that in-between stage of still being able to walk but needing to listen to my body and the difficulties my leg muscles can face in just keeping me up. As you can see avoiding injury from a fall is the most important thing for me, this is the reality for many of us as we age with Muscular Dystrophy. So I truly look forward to being able to use my mobility scooter out in my community whenever I need while enjoying the new found freedom and safety it brings.

Why the 2021 Toyota Sienna remains a great choice

2021-04-07T10:30:00.000-04:00

When it comes to great vehicles for those with disabilities many of us would agree that minivans are a great choice. The Toyota Sienna has always been one of the best choices out there. One of the best parts about the Sienna is it’s upscale feel thanks to their use of high quality materials. The all-new fully redesigned 2021 Toyota Sienna is definitely going a long way in taking things to the next level. Sporting more of an SUV look the all-new Sienna may actually attract buyers who usually over look minivans. Many would agree that Toyota’s current design language actually suits the Sienna perfectly. I know if I was in the market for a minivan the 2021 Toyota Sienna would now be at the top of my list.

Some of the key features many of especially those with disabilities will benefit from include power operated side sliding doors and rear power liftgate. Another feature which should carry over or the previous generation is Toyota’s Auto Access Seat - a very useful feature for many with a wide range of physical disabilities. It is a power operated seat that slowly exits the side sliding door area of the Sienna - allowing those who use mobility scooters or other devices to transfer onto the seat outside the vehicle. This makes it so much easier to enter and exit the vehicle and best of all it can be operated by the user or caretaker. For more info once available concerning the 2021 Toyota Sienna you can visit toyotamobility.com

Other features available in the 2021 Toyota Sienna include, four-zone climate control system, heated second-row super-long slide captain's chairs with ottomans, onboard vacuum and refrigerator, a segment-first power tilt and telescoping steering column with heated steering wheel, a digital rear-view mirror, 10-in. color head-up display and 12-speaker JBL® Premium Audio system. Other beneficial features should include Toyota's keyless Smart Key System which allows you to unlock or lock the Sienna without having to reach for the key. Not only a time saver but safety feature which allows you to enter the vehicle quickly on those not so nice days. Another nice available feature is Push Button Start which is a convenient feature many automotive manufacturers are now offering consumers. One of the most convenient features are the steering wheel mounted controls that allow the driver to complete simple tasks with ease.

When it comes safety on the road Toyota has you covered. Some key safety features include:

Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection/Lowlight Detection

Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist

Lane Trace Assist

Automatic High Beams

Road Sign Assist

Included inside the 2021 Sienna are 10 airbags along with a standard backup camera featuring projected path, while higher grade models have a wide-angle monitor to show even more of what is behind the vehicle. Also available I Bird's Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan is the next-best thing to launching a camera drone to look around the vehicle, but a lot easier to use. This tech provides a live, 360-degree view to help the driver to see potential obstacles.

Now what impressed me the most about the previous generation Sienna was that Toyota designed it thinking about the needs of people with disabilities. I am sure Toyota will continue this with the 2021 Toyota Sienna by continuing to make it fully customizable. With options offered through Toyota Mobility and Toyota’s commitment to our community the 2021 Sienna should still be able to be made fully accessible for anyone who requires the use of a wheelchair or a mobility scooter. I am truly impressed with the all-new Toyota Sienna and believe that it should remain at the top of everyone's list - even for those outside the disability community.

Sometimes it's okay to give up!

2021-04-06T09:42:00.000-04:00

My biggest flaw in life is being a perfectionist. See I put a lot of effort into everything I do. I also tend to get frustrated when my hard work doesn't pay off. Like most I hope to be successful in life. In my case if things don't go as planned I make the mistake of letting it get to me, even though I already know life is full of failure as well as success.

Sometimes I truly hate being the creative type, I always have to be creating or doing something that makes me feel productive. This often results in me designing anything from shirts to freshening up my blog posts. I often draw up house designs of home's I will never be able to own. You could say I am a big dreamer and like most I would be lying if I didn't admit I want my dreams to come true.

As a man I also feel the need to try and fix all my problems, since having to stop working due to Muscular Dystrophy I've still been steadily trying to find ways of earning an income instead of having to rely on support from something known as ODSP. At times I simply try too hard, maybe harder than I should when it would be better for me to relax and just take it easy.

This is why I think I have to learn to give up, to just do my best and not place so much pressure on myself to be successful in everything I do. That's why I say sometimes it's okay to give up. Now does this mean I will just give up completely and stop trying? No it just means doing my best to be happy even if things don't go as planned, after all life is unpredictable and success isn't always guaranteed.

Continue reading My Beckers Story

Accessible parking wheelchairs not always required

2021-04-01T10:00:00.003-04:00

This sign ♿ you see is not only reserved for wheelchair users or just the elderly as these spots are open to those young and old, walking or not, using canes, walkers and even those with hidden disabilities.

No matter in a wheelchair or not those who require these spaces truly need them and should never be stared at or even questioned whenever they park in these spots. Also it's good to remember all these spaces are first come first serve so that means in many situations you may not be able to find one.

But there is no need to be upset with anyone of any ability using these spaces, unfortunately sometimes you have to be patient till one opens up, this is just a part of the parking experience we all face. Now sure we have permit abusers but you never really know anyone's story, so keying their car or leaving a nasty note should never be an option. If you truly believe someone is not parking there legitimately don't confront them or block them in - just call the police or security.

Now for those like me with a hidden disability who are often confronted when using accessible parking I do have a few suggestions:

1 - If anyone starts yelling at you just hit the panic button on your cars remote activating the alarm. Not only might this grab the attention of other people around making it safer for you, but it will also help to drown them out and best of all you will no longer be able to hear them speak their stupidity.

2 - Don't respond or yell back, don't even waste your time or energy as with some no matter how hard you try and explain there is no changing their minds. Unfortunately we do live in a time when people love confrontations and you never know how far someone might take it. So you may also just want to walk away.

3 - If it gets really bad or if they threaten you or your vehicle just call the police. In the end no one who legitimately needs to park in these spaces should ever be harassed by strangers or even by those within the disability community.

Everyone needs to know that wheelchairs are not always required when using accessible parking as not all disabilities are visible. So don’t judge!

Are we approaching Ableism in the right way?

2021-03-27T10:30:00.000-04:00

Go ahead ask me a question about my disability. Feel free to ask; "why are you using a mobility scooter, you look so young and healthy?" Or to even comment saying; "Wow your calf muscles are huge." Or even send a prayer my way I won't at all be offended. As I fully understand that many are unfamiliar with the large number of different types of disabilities affecting the young and old. And we we really can't be surprised that some people still have a stereotypical view of people with disabilities.

For decades we've been left out of the picture but thanks to social media we now have a voice. I choose to use mine to raise awareness to help educate the misinformed. After all I truly can't expect everyone to understand or even approach me in the right way, it's the main reason I started sharing my story. It all came down to the experiences I was having with people who the disabled community now labels ableists.

Now sure still today people often say the wrong things with out even thinking, I know it's unintentional so I don't get offended as I am always willing to share my story so one day all people understand. It doesn't help me and most definitely wouldn't be productive in raising awareness or understanding if I got angry every time someone said the wrong thing as eventually have the opposite affect.

If I began to get in the habit of constantly going off on able-bodied people constantly pointing out how stupid they are eventually some will start avoiding us all together. It could have a negative impact in many areas of our lives it may even affect or ability to get jobs even with some believing they have to walk on egg shells around us always being afraid of saying the wrong thing.

We really can't blame people for their ignorance but what we can do is help to educate whenever the opportunity arrises. I think so many people have forgotten that being defensive & rude never really helps to advance any cause. We need to remember that honesty & kindness are keys to opening doors to opportunities to share and eventually will lead to a true understanding.

In the end changing peoples perception of people with disabilities or chronic illnesses starts with the way we react when someone mistakenly says the wrong thing. Many people have good intentions so maybe we need to spend less time being offended by everyone and everything. After all no one benefits from having a reputation of being a whiner or complainer. Want to change the world then approach everything with the right attitude - that the only way things will ever change.

What led to me starting to share My Becker's Story

2021-03-22T15:24:00.005-04:00

When I first started sharing my story it was a few years after suffering a life altering work-related injury. It was after spending two years on modified duties without seeing any improvement to my condition, even with physiotherapy I had to make the tough decision to stop working. In a way it was forced resulting from workers comp cutting me off directly after they decided to blame my injury on the fact that I had muscular dystrophy. This was very frustrating especially since I was originally told that call centre work was best suited to those with disabilities, but all I got out of it was a repetitive strain injury in the form of tendonitis, something that still today if I over do it can leave me suffering from excruciating pain.

When I had to stop working this had a major impact on my finances, it also meant a return to receiving income support through the Ontario Disability Supports Program. A flawed program which due to current regulations actually ends up punishing those with disabilities - especially if we are married. Long story short the way it’s currently set up results in financial hardship thanks to the unfair way they treat spousal earnings. It simply keeps those with disabilities from contributing to their household placing the entire financial burden on the spouse without the disability. A practice that seems to be set up to discourage able bodied people from being in a loving relationship with someone who has a disability in the province of Ontario. While I am thankful for the support offered through ODSP major changes are still needed, one’s that once and for all end the discriminatory way they treat those of us who are married.

So with a major drop in income and an inability to work I had a lot of extra time on my hands. After having my injury blamed on me having Becker Muscular Dystrophy out of curiosity I started searching to read other peoples stories. I wanted to see if anyone else had experienced this as well. Without any luck finding other peoples stories this resulted in me wanting to share mine, just to see if this might connect me with someone else living with Becker Muscular Dystrophy. This is when I came up with the name of My Becker’s Story - the original plan was to just have one post that took you from my diagnosis at age 10 up into my mid-thirties. Eventually someone else with Becker MD left a comment on my original blog post saying; “Wow….It’s just so similar to my BMD story it’s remarkable to read.” Eventually I shared my frustration with people constantly judging me for not looking disabled enough to use accessible parking. This led to many more blog posts and like they say the rest is history.

A year later my sister made me aware of the Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy, this after seeing an article about the upcoming fundraising event in our local newspaper. So I registered online creating Team Brad having my friends and family join in support of my journey with Muscular Dystrophy. A true highlight was meeting others affected by MD. It helped me feel less alone. It truly was a positive experience, and since I was no longer working I joined the planning committee for next year's event. I was involved in promoting the event and reaching out to local businesses for prize donations. It felt good to be supporting such a great cause especially one in support of those like me living with Muscular Dystrophy. Eventually this led to me wanting to come up with my own charity effort which resulted in me founding Laps for Muscular Dystrophy - something I am passionate about since it allows me to combine my love of motor sports with raising awareness. It truly is all about having a positive impact on others affected by this life altering muscle-wasting disorder.

Now I think we can all admit that having a purpose in life is very important. See I never thought I’d suffer a work-related injury, so when my career came to an end at first I had no clue what I was going to do. But like most we simply have to adapt when our lives take us in a different direction. Looking back now I know if this never happened that the My Becker’s Story blog and even LAPS4MD wouldn’t exist. Without life forcing me down another path I wouldn't have made so many new friends or have been able to work with race drivers and teams in raising funds to improve the lives of those living with Muscular Dystrophy.

The truth is life with a disability isn’t always easy and that is why from the start I’ve always shared my story openly and honestly, possibly at times sharing too much - but how else are people going to learn about what it’s really like living with Muscular Dystrophy. So as I continue aging with Becker Muscular Dystrophy I will continue sharing every part of My Becker Story, holding nothing back including each defeat along with every victory. As I believe complete honesty when sharing our stories can influence change in the way people view and treat those of us with disabilities.

So if you are new to My Becker's Story please join me as I take an informative look at life with Becker Muscular Dystrophy. I’ve tried my best to make it easy to read my story - simply use the tabs above where you will find blog posts taking a look at accessibility, employment and disability - along with my struggles with anxiety and the other challenges I face and so much more!

When perseverance & determination finally pay off

Learning to accept myself the way I am

2021-03-17T11:30:00.003-04:00