Drysdale radio host Leanne Watson opens up on rare genetic disease
A community radio host from Drysdale living with a rare disease has opened up on having to “reinvent” herself after being diagnosed at age 42.
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A community radio host from Drysdale living with a rare genetic disease has opened up on having to “reinvent” herself following her diagnosis.
Host of The Pulse’s Rolling Through Wednesday program Leanne Watson was diagnosed with limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) at age 42.
LGMD causes weakness and wasting of the muscles in the arms and legs, with signs and symptoms generally worsening over time.
Ms Watson’s disease progressed rapidly, despite initially being told it would advance slowly.
“It started with my legs, as happens with LGMD, and then progressed into my arms, so now they’re pretty useless,” she said.
The now 59-year-old said physical accessibility has been especially challenging, as well as community attitudes.
“All of a sudden I became an appendage to whoever I was with,” she said.
“I found shopkeepers, retailers, or even just people in the street, would ask my husband or my support worker what I wanted or how I was, rather than talking to me.”
The mother of three was working as a bookkeeper prior to her diagnosis and said she never anticipated a career in broadcasting, let alone hosting her own radio program.
However, after appearing on a Women with Disabilities Victoria podcast in 2023, Ms Watson was offered “full reign” leading her own weekly program discussing inclusivity and accessibility in the Geelong region.
Ms Watson said hosting the program has strengthened her sense of autonomy.
“I’m not going to sugar coat it, most disabilities are a thief,” she said.
“That’s why creating opportunities like this is so important.
“It’s brilliant to be able to help people in the community, and maybe give comfort to other people living with a disability, by showing there are ways to enjoy life.
“You don’t have to be a victim of your circumstance.”
Ms Watson was among four award recipients at the 2024 Geelong Awards for People with Disability last week, receiving the volunteering award for her contributions to the community.
Like many volunteers, Ms Watson admitted she doesn’t do it for the recognition, however she is glad other people view her work as important.
“The whole object for Rolling Through Wednesday was to raise awareness, compassion, and understanding among people without disability, but also to provide comfort and camaraderie to people with disability, in the whole quest of normalising it,” she said.
“So I’m pretty pleased that’s what it has meant to people.”
Other award winners included Matthew Gardiner – who was recognised for his leadership and advocacy work – and Laura Williamson, who received the achievement award.
Justine Martin claimed the business leadership access and inclusion award.
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