Syncopation – Dancing with Narcolepsy & Cataplexy Guest Post by Elaine Golden

REM Runner’s note: Recently, Elaine of Chica Siesta joined the NARCOLEPSY: NOT ALONE campaign. After reading her beautiful blog, I asked her to share in a guest post here. Please enjoy Elaine’s powerful and fresh voice. Read more at chicasiesta.wordpress.com.  Syncopation – by Elaine Golden Recently, my friends and I went swing dancing at a jazz club…

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The Simpsons Modifies Homer Narcolepsy Episode “Somewhat” After Reading Narcolepsy Article

When the Simpsons premieres tonight at 8pm ET/PT,  Homer will get “narcolepsy”. I’m thrilled to report that Executive Producer, Al Jean tweeted me: “The episode was modified somewhat after I read the extremely compelling article you wrote. Not sure you will be 100% happy…” Thank you, Al Jean and the Simpsons  for thoughtfully reading and modifying…

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8 Years Since Narcolepsy Diagnosis: No Longer “Suffering the Silence”

Living in Silence: Eight years ago today, on Sept. 18, 2007, I was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy, a serious chronic neurological disorder of the sleep/wake cycle. I told friends and family right away. Finally, I had scientific words to describe my mysterious symptoms. But I hated people’s reactions. Some acted as if I’d said…

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Living Bravely With Chronic Illness – Guest Post by Katie G. Nelson

As a 29-year-old, female journalist and photographer, I am accustomed to the words people use to define me; “Fearless”, “gutsy”, “courageous” are just a few. But, as a woman living with severe narcolepsy, I often struggle to reconcile these one-dimensional characterizations with my own sense of self. That disconnect was recently underscored when I announced…

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Working with Narcolepsy Part II: Hunting for a Nap Room

In December 2014, our office moved from Downtown Los Angeles to Irwindale, CA. My commute went from 7 miles to 25 miles. At the same time, our office environment went from private offices to cubicles. To be fair – I was well informed about this before I signed up for the job. (Read Part I…

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Project Sleep Awards 10 Scholarships to Students with Narcolepsy Entering College

While crossing the finish line of the San Diego Rock n Roll Marathon was an awesome moment, my biggest prize came yesterday when Project Sleep gave out TEN scholarships to students with narcolepsy through the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship program. Meet the 2015 Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship Recipients: View Scholarship Awards Announcement View/Download…

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YOU CAN AND YOU WILL (Marathon Part II)

As I crossed the start line of the San Diego Rock n Roll Marathon, runners started passing me. I laughed when a pack of Elvis(s) passed me. Typical. “Slow and steady. No one to beat. Nothing to prove,” I told myself. My shirt was drenched with sweat within 3 miles. Soon my hands raisined and…

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Meet Collin and Conner – An Amazing Friendship

Meet Collin and Conner, two friends in the 5th grade in Columbus, Mississippi. I’ve always loved thier NARCOLEPSY: NOT ALONE photo, but recently learned about the friendship behind the smiles. Collin was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy at age 8. Despite the challenges he faces, Collin has stayed active as a student and athlete. He…

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Putting the RUNNER back in REM Runner!

Tonight, I was glowing after my very first training to prepare for the San Diego Rock n Roll Marathon on May 31, 2015 to raise funds for the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship! I was going to wait to make a big announcement but I had to share this now. I’ve been feeling overweight, dark…

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For Your Consideration: VOTE for Narcolepsy Blog in Best Health Blog Contest

Friends, please vote for the REM Runner blog in the Best Health Blogs Contest. It takes 2 seconds to vote via FB or Twitter, once per day. Click here to vote! Why vote? For five years, the REM Runner blog has offered hope, inspiration and awareness tools for the narcolepsy community. People with narcolepsy often feel lost and alone, until…

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