Dr. C

Some of you may remember the column I wrote last year about my fourth-grade teacher Mrs. B who was a powerful figure in my young life. While only in my life for a brief period, she made a lasting impression.

Growing up, searching for a diagnosis, I went from doctor to doctor, constantly introduced to someone new. It felt like most were just assessing me as another person to check off their list.

During my first appointment with Dr. C, I knew he was different. I was about 17 years old at the time. He worked for the Muscular Dystrophy clinic at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. I was not yet diagnosed with MD, but someone along the way thought it would be a good idea for me to see Dr. C. They thought he could possibly give my family and I some answers we had been searching for.

Dr. C. did not “figure me out” diagnostically speaking, but he did help me to figure myself out on a level of self-understanding and introduced me to the value of connections. He also gave me glimpse of what self-confidence felt like. He was charismatic, funny, and incredibly kind. He spoke directly to me, not just my parents. I felt seen and heard in a way I had not before in the medical community. That was one doctor’s appointment that I always looked forward to.

A few visits in, Dr. C. suggested something to me that I was not expecting. He proposed the idea of me being a camp counselor at the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s summer camp. At first, I thought that seemed like a bad idea. I wondered how I would wrangle a group of kids when I could barely wrangle myself.

He explained further that it was a camp for kids that live with Muscular Dystrophy and that I would be assigned to one camper for the week. MDA Camp is an opportunity for kids with Muscular Dystrophy to connect with others like them without worry of being judged or bullied by children who do not understand their differences – a place safe to be themselves and have the rare opportunity to spend time with other kids who live with Muscular Dystrophy. It is also a place where many different recreational activities are accessible and allow for opportunities these kids may not often get. It is incredible.

I did not know that week would change my life, but I cautiously accepted his offer. That is the first time I did something that far outside of my comfort zone – well, other than speech class in high school! He cheered me on, assuring me I was capable of my role as camp counselor. He even told me he planned to make an appearance at the end of the week dance party.

It did not take long for me to settle in once at camp. I finally felt at home somewhere. Confident, just as I was, not pretending to make others around me more comfortable. By suggesting this role for me, Dr. C helped me to see that I had value and that as a disabled person, I could make a difference for others. I did not just need help; I could also be a helper. That led me to my career path. I fell in love with helping others in a way that also helped me to feel confident. In my work, I was able to share with many families whose children had disabilities – my expertise as someone who had lived life with a disability. I am pretty sure my smile at the camp dance assured him that he made the right choice by suggesting this role to me.

Dr. C is another person I wish I could give a giant hug and thank him for investing in me. It is not that I spent a lot of time with him. It is that the time we spent together was used in a way that had a monumental impact on my life.

Often, we think the only people we are helping along the way are those we invest a lot of time in. That is not true. One encounter with someone could be a huge steppingstone for them. Never discount the fleeting moments you have with others who you do not know all that well. Those experiences can change someone’s life or instill something in them that they will be able to tap into later.

Until next time …

Amy Shinneman is a former National Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, disability blogger, wife, and mom of two boys. You can find her blog at humblycourageous.com and reach her on Instagram @ashinneman.