The 2013 Becker Muscular Dystrophy Information Day

Over the weekend in the UK the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign presented the first ever Becker Muscular Dystrophy Information Day. It took place on June 15 in Daventry, Northamptonshire from 10am to 4pm. It was a great opportunity for families and individuals living with Becker Muscular Dystrophy in the UK to learn more about research and to connect with others affected by BMD. Families and individuals who attended the event heard from expert health professionals about activity and exercise and attended a workshop lead by a physiotherapist and also attended workshops on access to education, welfare support and relationships.

My friends Steve, Andy and Layanne at the Becker Information Day.

 The My Becker's Story blog asked a few friends who attended this event what they enjoyed most about being a part of the Becker Information Day - here is what they had to say:

 

Andy - I found the best thing was by far seeing other young and older men exactly going through what I have gone through. They were generally very upbeat, friendly and understanding of the issues we all face. Nice to see parents supporting their kids too. Very glad I went.

 

Layanne - I enjoyed learning more about research and meeting other people, men with Becker and their outlook on life.

 

Steve - The best part of the day for me was meet everyone who I have spoken to online for a long time now.

Andy M - It was great to meet and chat with people who have the same condition.

David - The best part was finally meeting the guys and being able to say "you know when such and such a thing happens....." and the shared sense of humour and experience.

 

The My Becker's Story blog wishes to thank the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and everyone involved for putting together the UK's first Becker Information Day. 

  

Did you attend this years Becker Information day? If so please feel free to let us know what you enjoyed most about being a part of this event. Simply post your answers in our comments section found below or join us on Facebook today!

 

 

Related Posts:

Living with BMD & the importance of Echocardiograms , Muscular Dystrophy and MS are different medical conditions, so why the confusion? , We are in this "together" & My personal story growing up with Becker's Muscular Dystrophy

 

 

Join the My Becker's Story blog on social media

Team Brad - Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy

The 2013 Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy took place on May 26th and like the year before was another huge success! This year marked the 4th year of Team Brad's involvement with the Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy. We couldn't have asked for better weather conditions as they were perfect for what turned out to be another amazing day. Many people from the surrounding communities joined in this year's Walk and the turn out was great. I am happy to announce that thanks to the overwhelming support of so many great people for the first time ever Team Brad was able to reach and even exceed it`s total fundraising goal. In total Team Brad raised $2243 in support of this years Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy. I am so thankful for the support of so many great people including local rap artist and friend Chosen who helped to support Team Brad by donating a portions of her CD sales to the Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy.

Kim aka Chosen & Brad

The biggest highlight of this year's walk was the support I receive from so many of my friends who chose to fundraise and join Team Brad. I also had the opportunity this year to meet with my good friend Brad who is also living Becker's Muscular Dystrophy who drove about an hour to be a part of the walk and Team Brad. If there was one word to sum up the 2013 Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy it would be amazing and I can't wait to be a part of this wonderful event next year. Again I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who took the time to donate and raise funds in support of Team Brad and the 2013 Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy. I really hope you will join us again next year.

As a member of the planning committee this year I took the time to speak and thank everyone for joining us at the Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy.

Once again I joined as a member of this year's walk planning committee and was simply amazed by the support we received from the local community. We added many new sponsors in 2013 including Durham Medical, Hard-Co Construction and Sand & Gravel, Honey & Tea Café, Black Axe Fire Gear, The Pickering Town Centre, ReStore Disc Repair, Ontario Hyundai, Tim Horton's and for the first time the My Becker's Story blog donated a prize in support of this years walk. In total the 2013 Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy helped to raise over $38,000 in support of Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s efforts to make a difference in the lives of Canadian’s living with neuromuscular disorders. I can't tell you enough how proud I am to be a part of a community event like the Walk for

 Muscular Dystrophy.

 

Here are a few photos from the Walk which were taken courtesy of SeRVe Photography of Team Brad at the Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy.



Team Brad at the 2013 Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy.

My friend who is also named Brad with his wife joined Team Brad for the first time this year.

My friend Rob from ReStore Disc Repair signing the "Share why you care" banner.

My Brother pro-angler Carey Miller taking video of Team Brad at this years walk.

Helping to give a friend directions to Heydenshore Park in Whitby where the Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy takes place.

So happy that my good friend who is also named Brad joined us this year. It's always great to connect with others living with Becker Muscular Dystrophy.

  

Thank you to all my family & friends and everyone who helped to make the 2013 Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy such a huge success.

Thank you for supporting Team Brad.

 

Related Posts:

Team Brad Joining "Together" to make a difference in 2013 , Muscular Dystrophy and MS are different medical conditions, so why the confusion? & My personal story growing up with Becker's Muscular Dystrophy 

Welcome to the My Becker's Story blog!

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.

  

Related posts:

My personal story growing up with Becker's Muscular Dystrophy
A little bit about me the author of the My Beckers Story blog ,

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!

 

 

Join the My Becker's Story blog on social media

Brads Auto Reviews: A look at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

This past weekend here in Canada we celebrated the Victoria Day long weekend and my wife and I attended Speedfest at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, a place I hadn’t been to since the early 90’s. Over the last few years they have made some major improvements to the track including building an all-new event centre. It is amazing to me how much things have changed at a track I grew up going to with my dad as a child. Some of my best memories revolve around attending races at this track which used to be known as Mosport Park. I was truly amazed by all the improvements. The first thing you notice when you arrive at the track is the all-new tunnel leading into the infield - it really helps to give you a feeling like you are going to be a part of something special. As you drive through the infield the first thing you see is the paddock area which is filled with race cars sitting just outside of their haulers this also really helps to build the excitement. After this it is time to find a parking spot and with it being the Victoria Day long weekend my wife and I made the right decision to arrive early. Thankfully I was able to find a close parking spot just outside the Canadian Tire Fan Zone which includes a set of bleachers and even a tented area where you can sit back and relax in the shade and even better they were giving away free food and water. It was a really nice set up I just wished I had a better view of the track. Now I would have moved to a better section of the track but with my inability to climb hills and since walking these days has become a bit of a challenge it simply wasn’t possible. But I made the decision that I wasn't going to allow this to keep me from having a good time.

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park - Paddock Area

Thankfully the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park has a shuttle service which consists of a few stretched golf carts. Since the Fan Zone is so far away from the paddock area where you can see all the cars I was very happy I could take advantage of the shuttle to make my way down to this area. The paddock is a very busy place filled with race fans, cars and the drivers. This area provides you with many great opportunities to get up close to the car and even a few drivers. When I arrived in the paddock area the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series drivers were having an autograph session and I had the opportunity to say hello to Kerry Micks who is the driver of the #02 Beyond Digital race car. I have actually been a fan since the early 90’s when my father who worked for Midas at the time put together a deal to sponsor his race car in what was formally known as the CASCAR series. I was lucky enough to join my father on many occasions to watch Kerry Micks race and was even there when he won the CASCAR Super Series National Championship - so you can understand why I still follow his career today. Like I said before many of my greatest memories revolve around racing. Many which have to do with growing up attending many races at what is now known as Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. With the issues I face with living with Muscular Dystrophy the thing I was most thankful for what the shuttle service provided by Canadian Tire which helped me access parts of the track that I wouldn’t have been able to get to by walking. Best of all I was able to take some amazing pictures and get up close with all the action.

Nascar Canadian Tire Series Pace Car

 Eventually I left the paddock area and returned to the Canadian Tire Fan Zone but to be honest I would have much rather sat somewhere near the front straight as everyone knows that is the one place you want to be when the race finishes. Unfortunately this area isn't easily accessible anymore as the all-new event centre takes up a large part of the front straight, which now makes the event centre the best place to watch the race from. This is now known as the area where all the important people can watch the race from and since I am not a VIP watching the race from this area is just not possible. But it sure would be a great set up for people with disabilities who want to watch the race as the event centre is the most accessible part of the track. In this area you will even find a paved parking lot which would be a real plus for people living with disabilities who might require accessible parking - but it is not set up that way which is a bit of a shame. To be honest accessibility in my opinion seems to be an afterthought in other areas of the track. Unless you have an all-terrain wheelchair getting around the track would be quite challenging. And for people like me who have limited mobility when it comes to walking they will find it especially hard when dealing with all the hills and uneven ground that happens to surrounds the track. This is why I wish they had an area reserved strictly for race fans with disabilities because there are many of us out there who would love to attend a race without having to worry about in-accessibility. The best plan for any race track would be to include accessible parking spaces in an area that over-looks the track where those of us with disabilities can sit and watch the race from. I truly believe that this would be the best way to accommodate for race fans with disabilities, it is really better than having no plan at all. With all the improvements that have taken place at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park over the last few years I am very hopeful that one day it will become a fully accessible race track. After all I just want to be able to attend a race and have just as good of a time as everyone else. Other than that I had a great time at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park over the weekend and I am very hopeful that the next time I return to the track they will have an accessibility plan in place. My only regret over the weekend was that fact that no race car drivers or teams were supporting the Laps for MD Campaign - but hopefully one day in the future some one will choose to support it.

A few pictures from Speedfest at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park:

 

 

 

 

Related Posts:

What is the "Laps for Muscular Dystrophy" Campaign?, Remembering Mosport International Raceway, Autofest rolls into town, Autofest Downtown Kickoff Party - Picture Gallery & Brad's Auto Reviews

 

To read Brad's personal story about living with Muscular Dystrophy please click below:

 

 

 

Join the My Becker's Story blog on social media

 

 

All Photos: Copyright 2013 Brad Miller/My Becker's Story

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