Living Obliquely

Approximately 1400 people are diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis (TM) annually.
Similar to Multiple Sclerosis, it attacks your myelin, leading to painful and debilitating side effects.
About 33,000 Americans are currently disabled as a result of this rare neurological disorder.
Not one person with TM will ever know their prognosis.
I happen to be one of them.



I am a neurological soup. Since my TM diagnosis, I have developed encephalitis, MS, RSD/CRPS, Osteoporosis (I am 34, no 35, eek), and Chronic Anemia. Yeah...life sucks, but I still rock.



5.02.2009

Who Would Have Thought A Dancer Could Become a Disabled-Neuro-Sicko-Painter, huh

It's been a tough neuro month, and it's about to get tougher, but there are moments of celebration in every day, and today I have a big one to share.

My piece, "X Marks Not the Spot" has been accepted for publication in the poetry and art magazine, Monkey Puzzle. It will be featured in issue #7, which is available for advance purchase.

Thanks to all of you who are supporting my life in transition. I'm feeling so grateful that I've found a new artistic outlet.

A body in revolt for a dancer is a big deal - hey a body in revolt "period" sucks - but transforming that body into 1- or 2- dimensions makes the pain/burden/loss/mourning process a lot easier to take.

Here's to self-expression - studied, taught, or intuited.
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If you're a Philly-region person with TM, please consider joining the Transverse Myelitis Philadelphia network (http://www.facebook.com/inbox/?ref=mb#/group.php?gid=44446668472), a new social networking group that I started for people with TM so that we can meet and chat casually. It's only on Facebook for now, so, if you haven't already, join. It's easy.

Best,
Melanie

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In Pictures

Please Note: Some photos may contain partial nudity or depictions of medical procedures. Though I am in many of these photos, my reason for sharing these personal photos is to promote awareness, understanding, and advocacy for people with TM and other rare diseases.
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    See My Art Published in Monkey Puzzle Issue #7

    See My Art Published in Monkey Puzzle Issue #7
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