"Time Is Muscle"

"Time is muscle."

Recently, I was on a virtual call with some of Muscular Dystrophy Canada's staff, Walk Champions and Team Captains for the Walk and Rolls across Canada, when the VP of Research, Public Policy & Programs said the line that's stuck with me.

That time is muscle.

She meant it in the context that when treatments and therapies for neuromuscular disorders aren't made available in Canada until years after they've been available in the United States and Europe, Canadian patients can lose muscle function while waiting.

MDC's national "What About Canada?" initiative, launching this month, is all about advocating for faster, fairer access to neuromuscular treatments and breaking down barriers that delay life-changing care.

I've definitely noticed my own muscle function changing in the last 3-4 years. I used to be able get up from the floor myself.

Not have to strategize how to leverage to get up from lower seats.

Not struggle to step up on a higher-than-usual curb while wearing heels or carrying a bigger purse.

Little changes that you don't even think of until they happen the first time, that make you wonder if you should make adjustments to avoid them.

Sometimes I do try to avoid them. But I've also started making little changes myself, to help maintain my muscle strength.

One of the changes is finally working towards my longtime goal of walking a 5k, and even better - I get to do it at the best ever time and for the best ever purpose. ✊🏽

May is Mobility Awareness Month, and I'm the Toronto Walk Champion for the Muscular Dystrophy Canada Walk and Roll on Sun May 24 ✨

I'd love to have you join my team or support - you can donate to my participant page, or click "join team" on my page to register for the Yay Team! 🎉