Todd Vogt was a nationally competitive rower in college, a masters rower after age 27, and a college rowing coach. When he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at age 43, he thought his rowing career was over. After some reflection and research, Vogt had another idea: Train for the Paralympics. Now 49, he recently qualified for the 2024 games in Paris.

Magnolia Tesler is 13 and has Rett syndrome—and loves doing adventurous things. With the help of her parents, she has ridden horses, water-skied, swum with dolphins, gone white-water rafting, skated, and been on an ATV safari. Her exploits can be seen in the video project “Magnolia's Guide to Adventuring.” She and her family are redefining what people with Rett syndrome can do.

During recovery after a surgery, Sasha Bogosian, a 16-year-old with cerebral palsy, turned to art therapy. She started splattering and sponging paint on jeans and wearing them to show off her artistic style. Eventually, Sasha's artistic flair caught the attention of a reporter, who featured Sasha on the local news. Since then, Sasha has painted jeans for celebrities like Jessica Biel, Jack Black, and Katy Perry. She also raises money for the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles.

Laurie Hays and Susan Anderson, both in their fifties, believe the migraine attacks they experience as adults may be connected to turbulent and abusive childhoods. By sharing these details with their neurologists, they are receiving more comprehensive and specific care.

Two people with facioscapulo-humeral muscular dystrophy, a rare type of muscular dystrophy that has no cure, describe how they adjust and remain upbeat despite increasing limitations.

The world-renowned soprano Renée Fleming had to overcome stage fright early in her career. Fortunately, she had the mettle to recognize and address it—or music lovers around the world would have missed out on her ferocious talent. And she's gone on to experience and document the healing power of the arts.

These are just some of the examples of courage in this issue. I am awestruck by these people's ability to adapt and maintain a positive outlook despite adversity and disappointment. I feel the same way when I see the letters we get from readers. Your stories have taught me valuable lessons and given me the hope that I might muster the same courage if I were in your shoes.

The type of courage exhibited in this issue involves advocating for oneself or one's family, educating the public about the condition, and encouraging others. And it can happen in small ways (such as asking for help when caring for someone who is hospitalized) and in big ways (such as rethinking athletic ability or assessing when it's time to step down from a job due to various limitations). The Paralympians featured in this issue have inspired me to recommit to pushing through my daily exercise regimen even when I am feeling tired or lazy.

Our podcast also features tales of courage. In a recent episode, journalist Kristen Aguirre chronicles how she made her way back to reporting and building a family after she had a stroke at age 31. In another interview, Brooke Eby, an influencer with ALS, describes how she has embraced the importance of savoring every moment. In yet another episode, Cheryl Hile tells listeners how she completed more than 70 marathons, 62 of them after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

If you have a special story of either your own courage or that of someone else, please share it with us at BrainandLife@WoltersKluwer.com.

Orly Avitzur, MD, MBA, FAAN, Editor in Chief