163: We Aren't Less Than, We're Doing It Different with Jessica Ryley Hammond

Tim kicks off 2026 by interviewing Jessica Ryley Hammond, a counselor running for Harford County Council. A lifelong athlete and horse-rider, Jessica was inspired to run for County Council because her rural community expanded so quickly, the infrastructure couldn’t keep up. In addition to discussing how FSHD affected her ability to ride, Jessica touches on how FSHD impacts her ability to climb hilly neighborhoods and the useful ability to hold a stone-face. We look forward to tracking Jessica’s campaign with the primary in June 2026.

Learn more about Jessica’s platform on her campaign Facebook page.

No one knows the experience of living with FSHD better than those who have it. FSHD Straight Talk features stories of life with this rare disease. Tune in to learn from, laugh, celebrate and sometimes grieve with fellow members of the FSHD community. Whatever your journey, we hope you’ll find yourself in these episodes and know you are not alone.

On the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, listen for a new episode of FSHD Straight Talk with Tim Hollenback! These episodes highlight members of the FSHD Community who are living rich, full lives and diving into their experiences with FSHD. If you would like to share your experiences living with FSHD, please reach out via email or send us a message on social media.

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