Paige Azden, Disability Advocate

03/21/2026

Jackson Cam moved on up to the Boy Scouts! The den did a cute crossover ceremony and they're off to their first overnight camping trip tomorrow bright and early.

03/19/2026

Tonight was opening night for the elementary school's production of Finding Nemo Jr. Jackson and all his friends kicked butt.

❤️

03/14/2026

Spotlight Series:

AccessAbility UnLimbited, based out of Philly provides support and assistance to individuals using orthotics and prostheses. Started by Tori and Julie, both who have advanced degrees in O&P, seek to advance the field with their adaptive events and fundraising initiatives. 

⭐ Wonderland is their red carpet event, honoring each child with the VIP treatment 

⭐ Climb for a Cause, held at the end of March is an adaptive climbing event. All athletes will be provided with adaptive equipment. All funds will aid students in making prostheses for people in developing countries 



Tori and Julie are graduates or currently working at:

03/11/2026

Thank you for this scholarship to purchase the medical equipment I so desperately needed. With this generous grant, I was able to install the Safe Bath Chair, a special shower lift for my new bathroom. I no longer have to struggle to walk into the shower. I can rely solely on the device to lift and swing me over to the showerhead.

Check out VVF! This organization not only provides mobility equipment and modifications, but resources, and continued support for people with spinal cord injuries and physical disabilities.

03/09/2026

Check out this true story of Sydney Mesher who became the first Rockette with a visible disability.

03/07/2026

A few years ago for Mother's Day, Jackson picked out a beautiful ring from . All pieces are custom made, featuring sand from favorite destinations around the United States. 

Of course this is special because my little man bought it for me and also because it has sand from the Jersey shore. I have a little piece of home with me wherever I go.

I'm thankful to the ladies at this woman-owned company for providing a donation to my upcoming LGMD Fundraiser!

 

03/05/2026

Spotlight Series: Do It For the Love

"A Life with LOVE is a life that's been lived."

This amazing nonprofit, grants children and adults with life threatening illnesses the chance to experience live music like never before. ♥️

There's something unbelievably transformative about music and its healing power. It can take you away from your darkest thoughts and along a cascade of wonderful memories.

03/03/2026

03/01/2026

Earlier this month my family and I had our interview at in Cochranville and it went great. We are now on the waiting list for our new furry family member.

Please check out this amazing organization that breeds, raises, trains, and places service and companion dogs with their handlers.

02/27/2026

I've had a lot of time to reflect on what this disease is and how it has shaped or changed me. And the physical implications are visible - I use a wheelchair full time, you can see me struggle with the most mundane of things like putting on my shoes, reaching food from the refrigerator... But what is hidden is the emotional toll it has had on my psyche; silently processing grief and denial of what was. I don't want to tell people I'm having a bad day or retreat to a quiet place and feel sorry for myself.

I push forward because it's what you have to do. I move on because I need to. I don't live alone - I have a child to worry about, my brother, my parents, and all those who entered 'my circle' of trusted confidants and lifelong friends. My son is the #1 reason I'm still here. He is the reason I still smile.

Then there are opportunities in life where you can redefine yourself. This is my moment to shed light on what it means to have a disability and how it doesn't need to define you. In actuality, it can very likely open doors and become a catalyst to do something great. And it can help you find strength from within.

So what is my legacy? What is my purpose? What do I strive to do?
The Answer: Educate the next generation of healthcare professionals to recognize what Limb Girdle is and impress upon them that they need to encourage their patients to be self-advocates and also advocate for them.

Recently, the Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development at Rutgers University invited me back to meet with two small groups of first year medical students to discuss my experience with the healthcare system, specifically sharing relationships of favored physicians and access to medical appointments as a whole. For example, was it easy to find a trusted doctor? Has the process been a journey of ups and downs? What accessibility improvements can still be made when going to an appointment in a rural or city setting?

I welcome any opportunity to light a spark in these future doctors and share my lived experience with LGMD.

LGMDAwareness

02/26/2026

Designing my Ikea PAX Closet System with Accessibility in Mind

It took many iterations to plan my new modular closet, constantly visualizing how it would fit in my room and how I can optimize space while navigating around in my wheelchair. With my 16' vaulted ceilings, I created a 9' tall closet system with 23" frame depth.

Here are some design elements I chose:
- Mesh baskets because they are lighter and easier to open
- Pull out pants hanger used for my dress pants and long skirts
- Pull out tray with inserts for jewelry, sunglasses, wallets, and scarves - all at the right height. The perfect addition for any woman who has too much jewelry!
- Pull out shelves to lay out clothes for the next day
- Framed glass front drawers so I can quickly see the contents
- Full length mirror doors with integrated handles to satisfy my head-to-toe look

I bought a step stool for my caregiver to reach things and an extendable garment hook pole from Amazon (swipe ▶️) for her to use too. Hint: Use the 3D Ikea PAX Planning tool and save your designs throughout the process.