Claire’s Story: It’s Not Easy to Loosen up when You Have Stiff Person Syndrome

Ten years ago, Claire M. had the contours of her life plotted out. She worked part-time doing customer service and other odd jobs for her husband’s employer, but the better part of her energy was spent taking care of her family. Her oldest son, born in 2002, had a rare genetic anomaly. A section of his DNA had been duplicated, which caused autism-like behaviors, a deformity in one foot, and an inability to sweat. Claire’s younger son wasn’t classified as special needs, but like all children, the six-year-old boy needed attention and love. Claire hadn’t expected to become a full-time…