Mansfield Doctor Discusses Life With Muscular Dystrophy, Passion for MDA “Muscle Walk”

The fight against muscular dystrophy comes to Arlington this weekend, where more than 4,000 people will walk to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

A local doctor will be among them – and for him, the event is personal.

Dr. Robert McMichael has neurologist for more than 30 years. He has his own neurology practice. He even has a law degree. And he’s done it all while living with a form of muscular dystrophy.

“I’ve had it my entire life,” said McMichael.

The disease has left him wheelchair bound, but early on his life, he decided it wasn’t going to stop him from achieving his goals.

“When you’re young, you don’t think anything is in your way,” said McMichael. “So I really didn’t worry about it.”

And he still doesn’t worry about it as he makes his rounds at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, where he was recently selected to be President of the medical staff.

“So there’s things you can do if you put your mind to it,” said McMichael.

Growing up, McMichael received support from programs the MDA funds and credits them for helping him see his own potential. Now, as a doctor who treats patients with neuromuscular diseases, he says he has an even deeper appreciation for what the organization does.

“With that support from MDA, we’re able to see those patients, even if they can’t afford to pay anything or if they don’t have insurance,” said McMichael. “I can still see them and take care of those patients.”

He says the MDA’s support for medical research is also critical.

It’s why he and his team are participating in the MDA Muscle Walk Saturday outside of Globe Life Park and encourage others to do the same.

Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. Saturday outside the Third Base gate. The walk will start at approximately 10:00 a.m. You do not have to pre-register to participate in the event.

If you’d like to donate to the MDA, you can do so by clicking here.

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