about the author: Marilyn Nieto is the sister of Jhonny Nieto, and the daughter of Marisela Elvir & Anacleto Nieto.

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My younger brother has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

He was diagnosed when he was 6. I was 11. It was summer break. Little did I know how much would change this summer break.

I still remember how cold the hospital felt that day. I did not understand at the time what we were there for. I did not understand what impact this day would have on me or my family.

I remember listening to my mother and grandmothers’ cries fill the hospitals rooms. I did not understand why they were crying. My brother was okay, wasn’t he? He could still walk. He still did all the things a regular boy did.

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After that day I slowly started understanding what the doctors had told my mother this day.

I watched my brother start taking medications, go to the doctors every month, having to take a stroller with us because he would get tired and fall easily. I watched my mother cry every night.

I would ask my friends about their siblings Did their siblings have to take medicine? Did they go to the doctors every month? Did their siblings have to take a stroller because they would fall easily and get tired quickly?

I understood now that my experiences were different from everybody else’s. My brother was different. My life was different. My family was different.

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This disease has made me look at life differently. I now fully understand the words that made my mother cry. I understand how this will affect our life.

I have become a lot more considerate of the words I say. I have learned not to stare at people who are different.

My brother inspires me every day. I want to one day become a nurse. I want to help people who are like my brother.

He is the strongest kid I know.

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