MDA Transitions Center

Beating the odds: Man defying disease that is often fatal set to get college degree

Mark Boatman, a native of Jamestown, N.D. has Duchenne muscular dystrophy – which is typically fatal much earlier in life. Boatman has defied the odds, moved more than 800 miles away from his family and caretakers and enrolled in the University of Montana’s School of Journalism. Later this month, he’ll graduate with honors. Posted: 5/4/2012

Making the Most of College Visits

In a blog by Margie Hatch, Special Assistant at the Institute for Educational Leadership’s Center for Workforce Development, she provides guidance to youth with disabilities about visiting colleges and other postsecondary institutions to help make informed decisions. Posted: 5/3/2012

DMD—A sibling’s perspective

I am the second youngest in a family of four brothers. I love all my brothers very much and I think each one of us brings something unique to our family; however, I have always had a strong connection to my oldest brother Julian. Julian is 29 years old and 6 years older than me to the day (Yup we’re born on the same day!). This idea that Julian and I shared the same birthday is probably at the root of why we are so close. We always had combined birthday parties and dinners growing up, which forced us to learn how to share with one another at a very young age.

An Inspired Perspective

Disability can create some unique embarrassing moments. A few weeks ago my wheel got stuck in the mud and I had to wait on a kind passerby to push me out. In college, the only route to the accessible bathroom was in my Hoyer lift, sans pants, through a co-ed dorm. It can even be awkward pointing out to chatty strangers that just because I am in a wheelchair, I don’t know their cousin’s uncle’s sister-in-law who also happens to use a wheelchair. But my single most embarrassing moment? I was on a national stage, a dozen other women in wheelchairs on either side of me.

My Body, My Choice

After reading previous posts regarding my plight as the lone man in a household that runs on estrogen, my dear wife took pity on me and decided to dignify my role as “man of the house” by making me a special treat. (She actually reads my blog! What the what? Note to self: Be more careful about what I write, LOL.) What did she make for my special treat? Man Dinner!!!!!!! Man dinner basically consists of all the delicious foods my cardiologist wants me to avoid.