February 23, 2021 – Many people living with neuromuscular disorders (NMD) are at greater risk of developing serious symptoms and complications as a result of COVID-19 due to their often pre-existing cardiac and respiratory issues and chronic comorbidities. As the voice of the NMD community in Canada, Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) is calling on governments to prioritize people living with hereditary and acquired neuromuscular disorders in their vaccination roll-out.
Specifically, MDC is asking that the following groups of people with neuromuscular disorders be prioritized: adults requiring multiple caregivers or complex ongoing support in the home, community or institutional setting; the caregivers or home care workers who provide ongoing support to children and adults with neuromuscular disorders; adults with severe or unstable respiratory issues; adults with reliance on home ventilation; adults with clinically relevant impairment of heart function; and, adults receiving immunosuppressants.
We have had to learn to be patient with each other when navigating this new way of life. We have spent hours on Zoom calls with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and kinesiologists in order to get Max moving. There were many times, we wished we could just be there in person. It has been hard but extremely rewarding when the person on the other side of the screen tells you how well Max is doing!
congenital fibre type disproportion. I have good days where I don't feel too bad, and don't think about my disability much - but I haven't had days like that during the pandemic. I'm confronted by being 'vulnerable' every time I read the news or try to plan even a very limited outing. It's inescapable, this reminder of how susceptible I am to complications of COVID-19, and it's felt very scary and isolating to have to be so very careful.
fact that I was not able to see them when they were sick. This was not only because of the restrictions in my province, but because I have a rare condition called Myasthenia Gravis, which puts me at risk for possible severe COVID-19 complications. 
pandemic has made healthcare challenging; appointments are postponed, cancelled, changed to virtual or preceded by a virtual call. 
neuromuscular condition called Nemaline Myopathy and is at risk for severe COVID-19 complications due to weak respiratory muscles. 
the COVID-19 pandemic by the lack of access and the ability to attend primary and specialist appointments. She was scheduled to have surgery in Spring 2020 and is still waiting. The presence of COVID-19 has shifted our awareness to those with disabilities and health issues but it still hasn’t allowed families the ability to get proper resources to live normal lives. 
Muscular Dystrophy definitely presents new challenges. Winters have always been challenging with mobility issues and accessing things safely, but a pandemic definitely it ups the ante.
Myopathy, to a rare non-degenerative orphan disease: Bethlem Myopathy. In 2020, three issues turned my life upside down in COVID times. First, I turned 65 which meant I was in the high-risk group for COVID on top of my neuromuscular condition. Then, I fell and broke my arm.Third, my caregivers, not knowing anything about this disease and the effects that it could have on my body, refused to treat me. When I was hospitalized, the COVID-19 pandemic complicated things: I spent 14 days in isolation in the hospital without orthopaedic treatment. I witnessed first-hand the many challenges that healthcare staff had to face and deal with in the pandemic. I felt the strain on orthopedic care, as I had to fight for a few essential treatments so that I could use my arm and start walking again. Denying me these treatments was like nailing me to a wheelchair. Today, I continue to fight for my right to autonomy in the pandemic."
Neuropathy, during the COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult to say the least. I have been shut off from a lot – a lot more than usual life with a rare condition. The simple things like going to a coffee shop or going for a walk through the mall are now gone. For me this was my only way to get out as it was easier on my legs to walk. It has been hard not only on my body but also on my mind – on my emotional and mental health. I always knew living with a rare condition like CMT made me appreciate the little things, but now more than ever I appreciate all the little things in life.”
“hibernate” in the winters, so I had a well-stocked freezer and much that I needed. I already worked from home and in a way was prepared. In a sense, I felt I was made for this, having had to adapt all my life to various situations. I make sure I am okay on all levels, get the rest I need, connect with people regularly, attend church online, let my doctor know if anything is happening, have what I need delivered, recognize that this is a difficult time, take in the facts, and then strive to find bits of joy (for example, I play music). 
could not physically see some of my family and friends for almost a year now. I’m tired of eating my own cooking. I don’t get enough exercise or fresh air because I’m not even grocery shopping as often, particularly in the winter. There are some benefits: telephone doctor appointments to renew prescriptions and learning new technology skills. I was skeptical about virtual physiotherapy appointments, but it has worked quite well. In spite of the challenging 11 months, I’m thankful I have hobbies that keep me connected like volunteering with Myositis Canada and participating in the Muscular Dystrophy Canada virtual network meetings.
been tough. I have to take careful precautions when venturing out in the community. 
the pandemic exacerbated the challenges we are already facing. For our son Éloi, it meant delays in medical assessments and for some treatments. With the confinement, we have also witnessed a pause in clinical research activities and restrictions to travel to hospitals located in other provinces. With precious time passing by, it could mean losing eligibility to an investigational treatment (either by aging, loss of physical capabilities or end of recruitment). With the vaccination currently ongoing, let’s hope all activities will return soon to a normal setting for every families within our community.” 
I also have Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy. I wanted to share my story with dedicated donors, like you, because you’re having a profound impact on the lives of so many people affected by neuromuscular disorders – in ways that you may not even realise. And for that you deserve much gratitude and thanks.
meant. But the doctor told us that my nervous system is slower and doesn’t work as well as other kids’.
learn how to dance so my mom signed me up for dance classes. She didn’t want to wait because one day I might be in my wheelchair full-time and dance classes would be very different. 