This is terrible news. Harriet McBryde Johnson, the well-known attorney, disability rights activist, and writer, passed away at age 50 at her Charleston home. Johnson, who had spinal muscular atrophy, was an early critic of Jerry Lewis and the Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon. Many of her writings appeared in The New York Times, including a magazine piece about her debate with Princeton philosophy professor Peter Singer. She also wrote a memoir, published in 2005, entitled Too Late to Die Young.
A website dedicated to Johnson’s memory can be found here. In the time she had, Johnson lived a rich life, accomplishing much and earning the the love and respect of countless others. We should all be so fortunate.
More about Johnson’s life and writings can be found at The Gimp Parade.
Oh no! I remember reading her work in the Times before I met you. That’s too bad. She seemed pretty amazing.