Joel, despite some difficulty walking, makes his way from the office to the bus stop. (Carolyn Cole / LAT)
Los Angeles Times reporter Joel Havemann, center, commutes to work using public transportation in Washington, D.C. (Carolyn Cole / LAT)
Havemann, copying a message from his answering machine, says he often has trouble reading his own writing. He received some relief after undergoing brain surgery in 2004. (Carolyn Cole / LAT)
Joel Havemann often cooks dinner for his family, but sometimes must sit down when his legs get tired. (Carolyn Cole / LAT)
