On My Own Two by Young Lee

Young is a writer with CMT 1A living in Cary, North Carolina. He graduated from NC State University in 2013 with degrees in economics and international studies. After working for a few years in finance, Lee decided to shift his attention toward writing and library studies. Although Lee first learned he had CMT at a very young age, he didn’t participate much in the CMT community until 2018, when his friend and fellow BioNews writer, Kevin Schaefer, encouraged him to explore and learn more about this very important aspect of his life.

April 13, 2021April 9, 2021

Receiving an Offer of Help Reminded Me What It Means to Be a CMTer

Columns, On My Own Two by Young Lee

I had just exited the county building after getting my second shot of the COVID-19 vaccine and was making my way across the parking lot toward my car. Then I ... Read more

April 6, 2021April 2, 2021

Home Cooking Videos Showed a New Side of CMT Symptoms

Columns, On My Own Two by Young Lee

I’m no Gordon Ramsay. And it’d be insulting to actual professionals if I were to call myself a chef or even a home cook. However, I do feel fairly comfortable ... Read more

March 23, 2021March 19, 2021

Pondering My Body’s Limitations Has Brought Me Back to Dancing

Columns, On My Own Two by Young Lee

A long time ago, a friend asked if there was anything I wished I could do that was outside my ability, capability, or means. The question wasn’t prompted by familiarity ... Read more

March 9, 2021March 5, 2021

A Cringeworthy Memory Reminds Me of an Important CMT Lesson

Columns, On My Own Two by Young Lee

I pointed the pistol downrange, lined up the sights, and pulled the trigger. But apart from a small “click,” the pistol in my hands didn’t make a sound. The gun ... Read more

March 2, 2021February 26, 2021

Even When I’m Fatigued and Unproductive, I’m Not Useless

Columns, On My Own Two by Young Lee

Standing outside a chicken hatchery, a man smokes a cigarette while watching his young son play. He and his wife are new to town and they both have been working ... Read more

February 23, 2021February 19, 2021

Rare Disease Day Reminds Me of the Importance of Community

Columns, On My Own Two by Young Lee

For much of my life, I couldn’t imagine a better world for those of us with disabilities, rare diseases, and chronic conditions. I just wasn’t thinking about the disability rights ... Read more

January 26, 2021January 22, 2021

Getting a Handle on Emotional Eating Caused by Stress and Anxiety

Columns, On My Own Two by Young Lee

Four weeks ago, I heard some unsettling news coming from my radio. And when I turned to my Twitter feed, I saw disturbing images parading across my computer screen. At ... Read more

January 19, 2021January 15, 2021

What I’ve Learned From Beach Trips and My Wobbly Time on the Sand

Columns, On My Own Two by Young Lee

Because of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, I’m always a bit wobbly whenever and wherever I walk. But if you think I look unsteady walking on pavement, you should see me walking on ... Read more

January 12, 2021January 8, 2021

When It Comes to Shoes, I’m Putting Accessibility Before Fashion

Columns, On My Own Two by Young Lee

In Asian culture, it’s important to take your shoes off before entering a house. It’s a sign of respect. When visiting friends for dinner parties or any kind of gathering, ... Read more

December 22, 2020December 18, 2020

A Toast to the Good Things in a Difficult Year

Columns, On My Own Two by Young Lee

I had a conversation with someone recently about the positive things we were grateful for in the past year. Perhaps it is a typical topic of discussion this season. However, ... Read more