Darrell’s Story

Hi, my name is Darrell. I was diagnosed with the disease when I was about 15 years old, I am 41 now. I have driven a car since I was 16 and have hidden my disease all my life, just recently I have told people of my disability.

I have 3 children, all girls aged 13, 5 , and 3, none of them have shown any signs of the disease.(Thank GOD)

I have been married twice and both have divorced me for someone else. I just can’t help feeling like my disease had something to do with the breakups.

My older brother also is affected but no-one else in our family is. He also has 2 children who show no signs of the disease.

I have learned that I am stronger then I realized, things I wanted people to help me with I learned how to accomplish on my own and felt better when I did it.

Family is very important, they understand and care more than you realize.

If there is no cure for the disease you can survive and be very happy.

Darrell
E-mail: darrell.lawson@knoxcounty.org