Please note that our 2025 mentoring program dates have not been determined, and our online course, "Breathing Muscle Weakness 101," has not begun enrollment for the year. Look for these to begin in second or third quarter, 2025.
Mentoring Program
Online Course with Optional Respiratory Peer Mentoring
The Breathe with MD, Inc. Neuromuscular Disease (NMD) respiratory peer mentoring program began in 2021. In 2024, the program's educational component was placed into an online learning platform. "Breathing Muscle Weakness 101" was a self-paced online course for those living with a known or strongly suspected Neuromuscular Disease (NMD), i.e. Muscular Dystrophy, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Congenital Myopathy, or other conditions under the "MDA USA umbrella of muscle diseases" and their loved ones (i.e. parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, significant other, or partner). It was offered free of charge and was open to those who resided anywhere in the world, but participants were required to have internet access and be able to read, write, and speak English to participate effectively and benefit the most from the course. Participants also needed access to a computer, notepad, or mobile device with the best user experience being on a computer or notepad. Optional live Zoom meetings within the course platform were held during the Eastern USA time zone.
Course Content
Online course participants learned, among other key topics, what happens to cause respiratory involvement in Neuromuscular Disease, appropriate management and intervention options for breathing and coughing weakness, and what may help to avert pulmonary decline. They gained the knowledge and confidence to engage in medical self-advocacy (speak up) in scenarios where clinicians who are inexperienced in NMD may prescribe dangerous, unhelpful, or no interventions. Recorded and live presentations, videos, supplemental reading, and social engagement in a private course channel allowed participants to interact with classmates, ask questions, and reflect on course content.
Mentoring Process
Our mentoring program was made part of our course offering in 2024 and was optional. Depending on who enrolls in the program, course participants have the option to participate in a respiratory peer mentor/mentee pairing, for which those who serve in a mentor role will need to pass a course quiz to ensure they can be a successful respiratory peer mentor. A live Zoom meeting on mentor/mentee pairing was held toward the end of the course to serve as an introduction to the mentoring process which was focused on creating goals related to respiratory health. Those who wish to be mentoring program participants sign an agreement to follow the program's guidelines for the duration of the mentor/mentee relationship. Paired mentors and mentees communicate with each other in a variety of chosen methods. Being in a mentor/mentee relationship is voluntary, and participants can choose to stop their participation at any time.
When does the course start?
At this time, we have not set 2025 dates for the optional mentoring program or the related "Breathing Muscle Weakness 101" online course but anticipate starting these in the second or third quarter of 2025.
Questions? Contact us.
Online Course with Optional Respiratory Peer Mentoring
The Breathe with MD, Inc. Neuromuscular Disease (NMD) respiratory peer mentoring program began in 2021. In 2024, the program's educational component was placed into an online learning platform. "Breathing Muscle Weakness 101" was a self-paced online course for those living with a known or strongly suspected Neuromuscular Disease (NMD), i.e. Muscular Dystrophy, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Congenital Myopathy, or other conditions under the "MDA USA umbrella of muscle diseases" and their loved ones (i.e. parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, significant other, or partner). It was offered free of charge and was open to those who resided anywhere in the world, but participants were required to have internet access and be able to read, write, and speak English to participate effectively and benefit the most from the course. Participants also needed access to a computer, notepad, or mobile device with the best user experience being on a computer or notepad. Optional live Zoom meetings within the course platform were held during the Eastern USA time zone.
Course Content
Online course participants learned, among other key topics, what happens to cause respiratory involvement in Neuromuscular Disease, appropriate management and intervention options for breathing and coughing weakness, and what may help to avert pulmonary decline. They gained the knowledge and confidence to engage in medical self-advocacy (speak up) in scenarios where clinicians who are inexperienced in NMD may prescribe dangerous, unhelpful, or no interventions. Recorded and live presentations, videos, supplemental reading, and social engagement in a private course channel allowed participants to interact with classmates, ask questions, and reflect on course content.
Mentoring Process
Our mentoring program was made part of our course offering in 2024 and was optional. Depending on who enrolls in the program, course participants have the option to participate in a respiratory peer mentor/mentee pairing, for which those who serve in a mentor role will need to pass a course quiz to ensure they can be a successful respiratory peer mentor. A live Zoom meeting on mentor/mentee pairing was held toward the end of the course to serve as an introduction to the mentoring process which was focused on creating goals related to respiratory health. Those who wish to be mentoring program participants sign an agreement to follow the program's guidelines for the duration of the mentor/mentee relationship. Paired mentors and mentees communicate with each other in a variety of chosen methods. Being in a mentor/mentee relationship is voluntary, and participants can choose to stop their participation at any time.
When does the course start?
At this time, we have not set 2025 dates for the optional mentoring program or the related "Breathing Muscle Weakness 101" online course but anticipate starting these in the second or third quarter of 2025.
Questions? Contact us.
Our organization further supports our mission through the following.
Outreach
Education
Support
Supplies Distribution
Pulse Oximeters
Outreach
Education
Support
Supplies Distribution
Pulse Oximeters