John Layton’s wife Colleen was outdoorsy and a nurse who worked 12-hour night shifts. She rode mountain bikes and had a lot of stamina, but she began falling on bike rides. Pain and muscle weakness sent her to several doctors to figure out what was going on. Six months later she was diagnosed with what is now called immune mediated necrotizing myopathy.
Life changed dramatically for John and Colleen. “At the time, there was a pretty scary five-year survival rate, so we committed to living life to the fullest every day,” John said. They focused on what Colleen could do, instead of what she could not, and John dedicated himself to helping Colleen achieve everything possible for her. That’s where TMA came in.
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“TMA has been a lifesaver for us,” John said. “They brought me face to face with doctors and research that I would never have known about otherwise.” The organization also introduced John to others who could help him support Colleen in accomplishing daily tasks. “I got to know other care partners who showed me gadgets that really changed things for us.”
John and Colleen have had horses their whole lives, but Colleen could no longer ride. They found cross-country carriage driving, which they could do together, and TMA members encouraged John as he made the carriage work for Colleen. Now they compete together and individually, finding joy in this new hobby. John also got Colleen a three-wheeled bike she can ride safely.
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