# @therealbillyz_ on TikTok

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.tiktok.com/@therealbillyz_/video/7271364407979019566
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/55294056-therealbillyz-tiktok
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/8a79390c6f.jpg
- **Posted:** 2023-08-25T20:47:45.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Billy Zureikat (@therealbillyz) — https://gondola.cc/therealbillyz

## Caption

In March of 2021, my life changed forever when I was diagnosed with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2L after an eight-year long search for answers. Finding out you have an extremely rare progressive muscular disease with no treatments or cures isn't news that I would wish on anyone. The first few months after my diagnosis were some of the darkest and hardest times in my life. The grief caused by my loss of mobility and the obsession with living in the past instead of celebrating the positive things in my life were breaking me down, causing more pain than any fall could ever produce. However, now I stand two years later, a very different person. I have grown so much mentally and emotionally.  From understanding that even though I am a very independent person, it's okay to receive help and that I can't do it all alone anymore.  To the acceptance that I need to start carrying a cane to protect myself from my unpredictable falls and make it a part of my life and own it, instead of letting the anxiety of fear consume me with each step that I take. I am proud of the platform that I've built for myself through my passion for cooking and baking to raise funds and awareness for @mdaorg . Having an outlet to advocate for others in the Muscular Dystrophy and disability community has brought fueled my confidence and belief that I can speak anything into existence that I want to get done during this journey.  I know my voice has power and I will continue to use it and be the voice for the voiceless I hope that my words and actions can inspire you regardless of your situation.  Change and loss are difficult to deal with.  I hope that you can find what brings you joy in your life during tough times and know that you will come out better and stronger. As always, The marathon continues 🏁🏁🏁 Thank you to Jordan Arseneau from ABC 7 Chicago for sharing my story. #pizza #Chicagofood #chicagopizza #musculardystrophy #mda #lgmd #limbgirdlemusculardystrophy #raredisease #disabilityawareness #inspiration 

## Stats

- **Views:** 6,053
- **Likes:** 214
- **Shares:** 4
- **Comments:** 19

## Tags

chicagofood, musculardystrophy, pizza, lgmd, chicagopizza, disabilityawareness, raredisease, limbgirdlemusculardystrophy, mda, inspiration

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