Dawn Ganton

Like many in her family, Dawn has had RLS daily since childhood. When her youngest grandson started displaying symptoms seven years ago Dawn became an advocate. She knew all too well the horror going on in his little legs and what a difficult and sometimes lonely road he had ahead of him. She was determined that he would have an easier time navigating this disease than she did.

Dawn began to research and also became more involved in the RLS community. There she found an amazing amount of support and knowledge. It was from talking with others and with her grandson that Dawn started to reflect on just how much RLS had affected her own life and all of things that it had stolen from her, besides sleep. She knows that although we all have our own unique experiences and struggles with RLS, we all need support from people who understand.

After many failed attempts at treatment over the years Dawn found a doctor who was willing to work with her and learn together. To be a team. She has found a comfortable place with a combination of medication, deep stretches, and avoiding triggers as much as possible. Though Dawn's symptoms are well controlled now, she knows that this will always be a juggling act. She also has high hopes for the future, for all of us.

Dawn is a retired phlebotomist and member of the "Educate to Empower" team for AIDS Vancouver. She currently lives on Vancouver Island, Canada with her cranky cat Squeak. Her favorite thing in the world is a phone call from one of her grandchildren asking if they can come over.

Click here to read all of Dawn's articles on RestlessLegsSyndrome.Sleep-Disorders.net