As Christmas quickly approaches, some of you might be looking for some last-minute gifts.
During a recent read of an email from MGFA (Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America), I learned about a nurse, Danielle M. Orsino, who was recently diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis. Danielle is also an award-winning author of the Legacies of Light & Dark Series, a cosplayer, a dog mom, and a podcast/radio show host.
Danielle’s website https://www.dmorsino.com describes her as a celebrated fantasy novelist who dreams of crafting immersive realms for her audience. It says the creative spark of storytelling has been with her since she was a child, but martial arts and her nursing career took center stage into adulthood. Then, on a day like any other, it was reignited during the most unexpected of moments: while treating one of her patients. Seeing that they longed for a distraction during their arduous treatments, the floodgates of inspiration burst forth, and Danielle began writing imaginative tales that would allow her reader to leave the confines of that IV room’s walls. One book led to another and soon she had created an entire series: Legacies of Light & Dark.
Danielle’s MG story is similar to what many of us has been through. You can read it here: https://myasthenia.org/blog/2025/02/27/my-mg-story-danielles-journey-with-seronegative-myasthenia-gravis/
It began with fatigue, double-vision, and associated other symptoms. She remembered studying about Myasthenia Gravis in nursing school, but since it was so rare, she didn’t give it a second thought until a trip to a neurologist suggested it could be MG. She bounced around many neurologists before a single fiber EMG test diagnosed her condition: Seronegative Myasthenia Gravis.
Through her journey with MG, Danielle continued to write and found her refuge. While MG could play havoc with her symptoms, it couldn’t stop her mind. To make her books more accessible, she has now released all of them on audiobook and she continues to discuss her lifestyle changes in her radio show, Once Upon an Author. She wants people to know that your world doesn’t stop with MG; you just have to make adjustments.
If you’re looking for some last-minute Christmas gifts, support one of our own by purchasing her books on Amazon/Kindle. I also encourage you to reach out to Danielle through her website and show your support. It’s so encouraging when you see someone not just surviving, but thriving through Myasthenia Gravis. I’ve begun reading the first of her books and am looking forward to reading the entire series.
Having published books myself, I know how difficult it can be. I know I speak for all of us by telling Danielle to keep up the great work. Most importantly, stay healthy, stay strong, and always remember you’re not alone.
I encourage you to reach out to Danielle through her website and make a new MG friend.