Profile : Timothy Gillette Insogna Timothy is organizing a walk for Dystonia awareness for Spring 2010. Dystonia Living spoke with Timothy over the phone just a few days ago.
Dystonia Living : Ok, so I know you're 26. You've had secondary Dystonia since 12. How did you find out you had Dystonia? Timothy Gillette Insogna : I was going to vote with my Dad when he noticed one of my feet was dragging. I had foot drop. He took me to get tested by a neuro. It took less than a year for diagnosis. DL : How does Dystonia affect you physically? TGI : I get writing fatigue. I can't play sports anymore, because it's in both legs and my left arm. I used to play soccer, t-ball and did a little karate. Now I like to travel, go out to clubs and restaurants. I enjoy hiking especially in Alaska and Newhaven. DL : I love hiking, too. [editor's note: see this issue's Wide World for more on outdoor activities.] What would you improve about the care and information you've received -- as a child and now? TGI : I had some of the best doctors on my side. I really did. DL : Were you ever teased in school? TGI : Sure. But I just ignored them all. DL : What path did you take in education and why? TGI : I did one semester in college. I enjoy computers, taught myself. DL : Why did you do a year? TGI : I did one year because I wanted to see what it was like. I want to go back eventually for child development. DL : Really? That's cool. TGI : In the future... I want children. I'll probably adopt but have biological kids, too. DL : I'm a big proponent of adoption. I think that's great. How did Dystonia affect your relationship with your immediate family? TGI : Didn't really affect at all. DL : Do you have any siblings? TGI : Yeah, I have a younger sister. She's going to med school to be a doctor. DL : What kind of doc? TGI : She has yet to decide. My mom is a gynecologist. DL : What kind of work do you do? TGI : I work in an office building, making copies, spreadsheets, filing, computer stuff. DL : What do you like most about your work? TGI : I like the staff most. DL : Have you met any challenges in your career because of Dystonia? TGI : Not yet. This is my first paying job. It's been two years, this October. Before this, I had several volunteer office positions; in the high school office, at the hospital, at Yale. I also was a stock worker. DL : Do you have any mentors? TGI : My sister. We have a helpful, close relationship. DL : If you could give advice to parents who have a child with Dystonia or some other disability/chronic condition, what would it be? TGI : Just try to do their best. Learn as much as they can and do their best. DL : Can you tell us about the Dystonia walk you're planning for May 2010? TGI : It's going to be in my hometown. It is about raising awareness and funds. Am still in the planning stages. DL : If someone would like to help, how could they get in contact with you? TGI : I would welcome help. People can contact me through my facebook pages. [editor's note: If interested in helping, you can also contact Timothy through the magazine. See our contact info below.] DL : Timothy, thank you so much for doing this. TGI : Sure.
Contact Timothy Insogna on Facebook. Or see his group here. Dystonia Living will be interviewing someone from the community of those affected by Dystonia in each issue. If you're interested, contact us.
|
This Day Thoughts and declarations from within the community. Homefront Growing the Dystoniac homelife Brief Work, Education, Career Wide World Fun, fitness, self-expansion Front Desk Navigating healthcare Suite! Living Upgrades: Meeting challenges to function & mobility Profiles
copyright Dystonia Living 2009 |