WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |Determination Overcoming Difficulty
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La Crescent, MN (WXOW) It's not uncommon to face a challenge during the day - most days in fact. But imagine a condition which threatens to take away your chosen profession.
Musician and composer Billy McLaughlin faced that challenge. He's a guitarist who had a recording contract and was touring when he began making mistakes while playing his music.
His left hand was losing dexterity. He eventually saw a neurologist who told him why. He was diagnosed with something called focal dystonia, a condition which affects one in 200 musicians. It's a muscular disorder which prevents them from performing intricate movements.
Treatments did not work for Billy, so he finally made a big decision. The right handed guitarist learned how to play left handed. Now, Billy continues touring and is working on new recordings.
Gundersen Lutheran neurologist Jason Aldred says, the diagnosis can end a career. But through amazing determination, Billy says he will perform as long as he can. He considers himself lucky.
You can learn more about Billy McLaughlin at www.billymacmusic.com.
