Re-Imagining Parenting From a Wheelchair

Yumi Shim always knew she wanted to have kids. But after a muscular dystrophy diagnosis in her early 20s and a frank conversation with her doctor about parenting with a progressive muscle disease years later, Yumi’s hopes of becoming a mom were waning. “So we left that appointment and we got in my car and I cried and I cried and I cried.” Now, ten years after that appointment, Yumi is the proud mom of two kids. In this episode, she shares the challenges, triumphs, and joys of raising two able-bodied children as a mom in a wheelchair.   Support the show by checking out our sponsors! Livinguard activity masks use materials with amazing properties that deactivate viruses and bacteria continuously, safely and in a sustainable way. They are super comfortable as well. Get 10% off your activity mask when you go to shop.livinguard.com and use code GOODKIDS10 at checkout.   To hear more stories of LGMD like Yumi’s, follow her on Instagram @DearLGMD, a storytelling space featuring individuals affected by Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy. @DearLGMD’s vision is to expand awareness and connection, one story at a time.   With emerging treatments on the horizon, it is more important than ever to get a genetic diagnosis and consider participating in a disease-specific patient registry. Simply being registered in a patient registry can drive research forward and open doors to find others who genuinely know what you are experiencing. Visit https://lgmd-info.org/ for general LGMD resources and to learn about access to genetic testing. Visit https://www.jain-foundation.org for LGMDR2/2B/Dysferlinopathy/Miyoshi Myopathy specific information.    To follow along with a transcript and/or take notes for friends and family, go to https://www.lemonadamedia.com/show/good-kids/ shortly after the air date.   Stay up to date with Good Kids and everything from Lemonada on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @LemonadaMedia. For additional resources, information, and a transcript of the episode, visit lemonadamedia.com.   If you want to submit a show idea, email us at [email protected].  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.