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8 | InTouch WINTER 2026 MORE THAN A DIAGNOSIS. A STORY OF INDEPENDENCE, RESILIENCE, FRIENDSHIP, AND FINDING FREEDOM THROUGH ADAPTABILITY After waiting nearly 18 years for a diagnosis of Congenital Myopathy, Stephen and Neil Tranter have built lives centred around independence, resilience, and making the most of every day. FEATURE "Every day can be a bit of a mission, but we just take things as they come and make the best of every day. We adapt how we do things so we can achieve the independent lifestyle we have.” For many people living with a neuromuscular condition, the journey to diagnosis can be long and uncertain. For Stephen and Neil Tranter, living with Congenital Myopathy, that journey took nearly 18 years. “Both of us were born with our condition, but it took around 18 years to receive an official diagnosis of Congenital Myopathy,” they explain. “There were multiple tests and appointments over the years before we finally had answers.” Living an independent life on their own terms Stephen on his wedding day with his parents, Donna and Martin.