DumCapitNoxDiem

Your AMA is not good for a hungry person.

Did you have a support system that included other people with Arthrogryposis growing up? If not, would you involve yourself in one as an advocate for the independence and success you are able to have despite your disability?

I knew a girl in 3rd grade all the way up through school that had this. She became my best friend for many years. When she 1st came to my school by 3rd grade, she'd had multiple surgeries etc. She has arthrogryposis affecting the hands and one arm was really rather short and she stood only about 4ft tall. She was also quite a few years older than the rest of our class but was placed in our year because of how much schooling she'd missed. Anyway, she became a friend and was very outgoing and fully independent of her daily needs.

Worst thing though was that we're from a blue collar small town and it didn't have resources that could support special needs. As we became teenagers, I assume her older age and feeling of self worth threw her into sex, drugs and drink by the end of my 6th year. I soon cut ties and last time I heard from her she had 3 kids she was supporting on her own like so many in that place.

My point is, her family only supported her enough to give her life. Her mother was worthless and her father died when she was young. I don't really think this girl ever really knew what to do with herself besides to survive. She had to do everything on her own and by herself. Hopefully things have changed and there is a support system for young kids with arthrogryposis out there..even if they have shit families.