By Jessica Dillon
Steven Stone, a longtime volunteer with the Bassett Rescue Squad and a Boy Scout leader, is raising awareness about limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, a rare hereditary disease he has lived with his entire life.
Stone, 57, volunteered with the Bassett Rescue Squad for 38 years and has been involved with the Boy Scouts since age 11, later becoming a leader. He said his goal in sharing his story is to help others better understand the condition and encourage a more accessible community.
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, commonly referred to as LGMD, causes progressive muscle weakness and primarily affects the hips, shoulders and legs. The disease can significantly limit mobility and quality of life, sometimes requiring individuals to use wheelchairs. There is currently no cure.
Stone said he experienced symptoms as a child and was taken to a specialist in Roanoke, where he was initially diagnosed with rheumatism. Muscular dystrophy runs in his family, he said, noting that his grandfather and cousins were affected, including one cousin who died at a young age.
As the disease progressed, Stone said he was forced to step away from active rescue squad duties due to increased fall risk.
“I had to give it up years ago. When I was there, when I was at home,” Stone said of that heartbreaking decision.
He said he would seek recertification as an emergency medical technician if a cure were ever found. In the meantime, Stone continues to support the rescue squad by answering phones.
The disease also led Stone to surrender his driver’s license following his last vehicle accident.
“That was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do,” he said.
Stone said safety for himself and others guided that decision.
He remains active in the community, volunteering and running sound at Mt. Hermon Church of the Brethren in Bassett. In earlier years, Stone completed a cassette tape ministry as part of his Eagle Scout project.
Stone said support from his wife and church community helps him manage daily life. He noted that not everyone living with disabilities has the same level of support.
“Daily life is a challenge,” he said. “I have kept on keeping on.”
Stone also urged community members to be mindful when using accessible parking spaces.
“Many people who are chair-bound rely on close parking to get the items they need for living and to safely make their way to appointments,” he said.
