Reader Digest Reflection

RUNNING FOR HIS LIFE

Reader Digest 2008 June Edition
pg 36-43

A 13 year old boy diagnosed with dystonia is not able to walk without a limp but is able to run like a normal boy? Hard to believe, isn't it. But it is a real life example of this boy, Ryan, who has faced a his illness bravely. In the end, he finally found a way to minimise his pain in a non-medical and healthy way.

It all began when Ryan was five or six. The doctors did not know what was the problem at first, until a year later, after a specialist confirmed that Ryan had dystonia. The cause was quite unknown, but what was known was that this illness caused Ryan many problems for several years. there was once when the doctors suggested to numb Ryan's nerves, but Ryan was strongly against it as that would cripple his legs.

Luckily, when Ryan was thirteen, he realised that he had no problem joggingat all and his pain would go away. Ryan even got into an athletics club and became very famous-not because of his illness but of his speed.

It takes courage and bravery to face such a serious illness and for that, I respect and admire Ryan. Many people might have already given up in times of illnesses like this. For me, I just hope I will say healthy forever so that I would not need to fight such a tough and suffering battle. Ryan’s story has also taught me something important, that is to face my problems and not to run away from them, and there are always solutions to problems.

Though with a disadvantage against us, perfectly normal people, Ryan still manages to stand out from the crowd. Even coaches would take a second look at him. I hope I would be able to be as successful as him in life. Here, I sincerely hope the best for him.
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By: Perly Kweh (10)
3E