Despite having dermatomyositis—my condition in which my immune system is attacking my skin and muscles—I’m still getting stronger. My skeletal muscle mass and body fat mass is better than I expected.

Saturday, my girlfriend and I went to the Nutrishop in Tempe to stock up on workout supplements and enter ourselves into a competition. The $1000 shopping spree goes to he or she who loses the most weight and grows their skeletal muscle.

I don’t need to lose weight, but I am trying to gain muscle. I already work out five days a week, so why not enter? Even if I don’t win, it costs me nothing. Plus, these creatine and stimulant supplements essential for fighting my disease are expensive.

Much to my surprise, my numbers came back very good. My body fat mass is right where it should be and my skeletal muscle mass is above average. In short, I’m stronger and healthier than I sometimes feel.