Melissa Haugen is a gifted writer and lover of life. She has completed several creative writing courses through Coursera, including The Craft of Plot, Character, Setting, and Style. What began as a personal journal evolved into a book aimed at helping others feel less alone. 

When not writing, she enjoys card games, cuddling with her dogs Ruby and Riley, hosting gatherings, baking, watching the Minnesota Wild, and spending time with friends and family. Read more about Melissa in weekly "Meet Me Monday" posts on her blog.

About Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy:

Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD) is a group of 32 rare disorders which cause muscle weakness and atrophy, primarily in the "limb-girdle" muscles of the hips and shoulders, upper arms, and upper legs. LGMD disorders are genetically inherited and are estimated to affect somewhere between 2 and 10 in every 100,000 individuals. Along with LGMD, there are over 30 other diseases and disease groups classified as Muscular Dystrophy (MD), all of which cause muscle weakness, but which differ in their specific symptoms, inheritance patterns, and rarity.

For more information, and to support research and care for people living with LGMD and other forms of MD, visit these resources:

• Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)

• LGMD Awareness Foundation

• Cure LGMD2i