About the Cover Artist: Calm Day by Alex Biagi

My story began when I was 16 and diagnosed with spinal stenosis after getting elbowed in the back while playing basketball. I had decompressive laminectomy on 4 levels then and spinal fusion when I was 21. After my recovery, things seemed to be going well. I was working at Costco and going to Community College, but then noticed while working that I could not spread my fingers on my left hand. Soon after, I was also unable to spread the fingers on the right. I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome and had bilateral nerve releases at the hand and elbow.

Sadly, that was not the real problem. Soon, walking became difficult, and I could no longer work. I spent the next 4 years with doctors trying to figure out what was happening. Eventually, I went to the Mayo Clinic, where I was quickly diagnosed with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). For the next 8 years, I underwent all the routine treatments recommended by neurologists and physical therapists, but declined steadily. At age 29, I needed a power chair to get around and depended on my family for feeding myself, dressing, showering, getting out of bed. I had almost no use of my hands, and walking was nearly impossible.

In 2016 I learned of a clinical trial of human stem cell transplants for autoimmune neuromuscular diseases and was able to enroll. The trial was not without risks, and I almost succumbed to respiratory failure, but made it through. Today, I live on my own with a little help from caregivers and walk with the help of ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs). I have some hand movement, but still can not spread my fingers. Over the last 6 years, I have taught myself to paint holding the brush in my mouth and am part of the international Mouth and Foot Painters Association (MFPA)!

Alex Biagi’s work can be seen at alexbiagi.com, where prints of his work can be purchased.