Meet Rodrigo, a patient who is seen by our team of multidisciplinary experts. Learn more about his journey below.
Blog written by Rodrigo.
When I was a baby, my parents knew something was not right. According to my mom, I would push my hands against the wall just to stand up and move from one place to another. Also, I had problems sitting down. I would try to sit but would end up falling backward.
When I was about 1 year old, I was diagnosed with congenital muscular dystrophy and started going to see doctors at Scottish Rite for Children every six months. I have fond memories of that time in my life. I loved going there all the time and was always happy to miss school for these appointments. The inside of Scottish Rite does not look like a traditional health care institution, but rather felt like we were at a theme park.
I understood that I would eventually be too old to see doctors at a pediatric facility, and when I was about 20 years old, I had my last appointment. I cried as I was leaving that day.
Scottish Rite means so much to me, and I felt like I needed to give something back to the place that did so much for me. When I was 26 years old, I became a volunteer at Scottish Rite. Not only is it a place for children with special needs but also a place where children know that they are loved and accepted. It is also an amazing place for their parents! It is a place where families know that they are not alone and can find support.
I now have an art degree, and drawing and painting are my passions. I am very involved with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), and 15 months ago, I became an MDA Ambassador. I’ve even been able to use my talents to give back and have donated some of my paintings to be sold at the MDA Uncork A Cure Galas. I also enjoy making videos for social media where I paint and talk about what I’m painting.