Quotes from Karen Duffy

As the illness attempts to diminish you, destroy you, or distract you, you've got to rely on your sense of style to help you to divert it, to defeat it and transcend it . . . . "illness style." A good synonym might be "strategy" except the word is too cold to describe something that's about being as alive and vibrant as possible.

In the extra innings phase, you can learn from your life and live with vigor and generosity and gratitude. There is the belief that when you lose one sense, the other senses make up for it and become sharper. . . Maybe in extra innings, we discover new skills, such as patience and resilience, even as we accept that what we lost won't come back.

Flaneur is the French word for walker, or saunterer. A flaneur is someone who walks as self-expression and exploration. For the flaneur, it is not about getting from point A to point B, or about getting into shape. The act of walking is its own reward. A flaneur walks the City in order to experience it, to fully participate through observation and peregrination.

I did as much research as I could and I took ownership of this illness, because if you don't take care of your body, where are you going to live?

My friend had a funny remark; he told me everybody has something - some people have a big butt, some people are insecure and at least you know what it is, even if it's a lump on your head. I know I have a lump on my head.

It is a mistake to do nothing just because you think you can only do a little.

It really is a blessing when two people who are so full of dignity and kindness and really live to make the world a better place get together.

Happiness is the best cosmetic.

A lot of people asked me if it was frustrating not having a clear specific diagnosis, but I didn't mind, I just chose the most optimistic diagnosis.

In addition, I'll be attending women's health expos and medical conferences with the goal to promote dialogue between women and their health-care providers.

I prefer atrophy over exercise any day.

My family has been amazing, and they understand how blessed I am. They've been able to keep my sense of humor.