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My name is Alex Fladzinski. I was born in a set of triplets, but I have something that makes me distinct: I was diagnosed with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD), a muscle-wasting disease. Everyday activities tear down muscles, but LGMD prevents muscle regeneration. As a result, my muscle mass and strength decreases unavoidably with time.
Since then, I have attempted to not let LGMD define me. I graduated from high school in 2011 with my siblings; I enrolled in college and am studying Mechatronics. I’ve found part time work. I have lived and traveled with my brother and sister. However, my freedom of choice has a timer set to expire. As the disease progresses, its effects become increasingly disruptive and tougher to overlook.
As time passes, I experience increased difficulty living my daily life. Just going to class using a cane to walk and working part time demands all the energy I possess. My muscles feel like jello, and I am plagued with chronic fatigue. My hips dislocate when I get out of a car or stand from sitting or lying position. My ability to bend over or kneel rivals that of an elderly man, but I’m only 22 years old. My core can no longer perform simple movements autonomously: I need to pull and push with my legs and arms to stand. If I push too hard, I dislocate my shoulders. The degradation of my balance leads to frequent falling. I can’t put my shoes on easily anymore; I have to sit and move my legs with my hands to readjust their position. I can only climb a few stairs daily. Showering and dressing has become trying for me as well. If my condition continues to progress, I will lose all mobility and self-reliance.
Unfortunately, I have noticed a more rapid decline in my muscles this year than previous years. I need to go through special treatment that insurance will not cover. The treatment can put this disease in a dormant state or lessen the effects. It is expensive and out-of-reach without financial support. I need at least $30,000 to cover two treatments.
Please help me from having to live the rest of my life in a wheelchair.
Since then, I have attempted to not let LGMD define me. I graduated from high school in 2011 with my siblings; I enrolled in college and am studying Mechatronics. I’ve found part time work. I have lived and traveled with my brother and sister. However, my freedom of choice has a timer set to expire. As the disease progresses, its effects become increasingly disruptive and tougher to overlook.
As time passes, I experience increased difficulty living my daily life. Just going to class using a cane to walk and working part time demands all the energy I possess. My muscles feel like jello, and I am plagued with chronic fatigue. My hips dislocate when I get out of a car or stand from sitting or lying position. My ability to bend over or kneel rivals that of an elderly man, but I’m only 22 years old. My core can no longer perform simple movements autonomously: I need to pull and push with my legs and arms to stand. If I push too hard, I dislocate my shoulders. The degradation of my balance leads to frequent falling. I can’t put my shoes on easily anymore; I have to sit and move my legs with my hands to readjust their position. I can only climb a few stairs daily. Showering and dressing has become trying for me as well. If my condition continues to progress, I will lose all mobility and self-reliance.
Unfortunately, I have noticed a more rapid decline in my muscles this year than previous years. I need to go through special treatment that insurance will not cover. The treatment can put this disease in a dormant state or lessen the effects. It is expensive and out-of-reach without financial support. I need at least $30,000 to cover two treatments.
Please help me from having to live the rest of my life in a wheelchair.