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    What is SMA?
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    • Type 0
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  • Living with
    Living with SMA
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    Sleep tips
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    Flying with a wheelchair
  • Community
    Perspectives
    • Embracing My Inner Alien - Kevin Schaefer
    • Being Resilient - Jasmine Ramos
    • Soaring With Hope - Ari Anderson
    • Life, One Cup at a Time - Alyssa Silva
    • Wandering The Lines - Sherry Toh
    • The Wolf Finally Frees Itself - Brianna Albers
    • Caring Together - Connie Chandler
    • We’re Not in Kansas Anymore - Helen Baldwin
    • From Where I Sit - Halsey Blocher
    Guest Voices
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    • Building your healthcare team
    • Taking control of your healthcare
    • SMA love story
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    • Final SMA gift
    • Theme park preparation
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    • Spinal cord stimulation
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    • Genetics, diagnosis, and treatment
Featured Articles
Columns

I’m keeping the faith that our night shift nurse shortage will find a solution

When I graduated from college in 2005, I received a special gift: a large whiteboard to hang on the wall. It had 38 pictures on it showing many of my adventures with SMA and other key moments I’d had over the years. Those pictures have remained on my wall…

Main graphic for column titled Discussion
Columns

Social mixers usually aren’t for me, but I took a risk and it paid off

I don’t talk to my ex anymore. For the sake of this column, I will have to let her know about it as a courtesy. But as far as a daily choice goes, it’s not one I make anymore. Readers who’ve kept up with my column in the last few…

A scientist works in a lab. Discussion
News

Migraine drug may protect motor neurons in SMA: Mouse study

The migraine medication flunarizine may help protect nerve cells in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) by correcting abnormal levels of microRNA, small molecules that help regulate gene activity. Researchers identified widespread microRNA abnormalities in cells and in the spinal cords of SMA mice, particularly at the earliest stages of disease.

Banner for Connie Chandler's column Discussion
Columns

Friendly competition makes my caregivers strive for excellence

My caregiver held the toothpaste tube in both hands, meticulously squishing it flat from the bottom all the way up to the nozzle. I laughed: “It’s OK, I have a whole new tube ready to go in the closet.” She shook her head and gritted her teeth as she forced…

An illustration of a person scratching their forehead, seemingly troubled by papers in front of them Discussion
News

SMA specialists face high rates of burnout, leading to delayed care

Healthcare professionals who specialize in managing spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are prone to putting off tasks related to patient care, likely because they are stressed and exhausted, a study found. A research team in Spain found a strong relationship between burnout and procrastination, suggesting that professional exhaustion may drive…

Banner image for Halsey Blocher's column Discussion
Columns

A seasonal treat offers a reprieve from my swallowing difficulties

Ice cream wasn’t always one of my favorite treats. Don’t get me wrong, I loved it, but it wasn’t one of my go-tos when I wanted something cold or sweet. I think SMA is part of what changed that. When I was 13, I barely survived a series of…

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Featured ColumnWe need more research on reproductive health in women with SMA

At 19, columnist Sherry Toh thought she’d escaped her period, which is why more research on women’s reproductive health is needed, she says.

Read the column

Vlogs

Watch the latest videos where patients with SMA share their personal stories and perspectives with the SMA community.

Watch on YouTube

The Spinal Muscular Atrophy Podcast

Listen to the latest episode of The Spinal Muscular Atrophy Podcast, hosted by forums director Kevin Schaefer.

Listen to more

Your SMA Community

Visit the SMA News Today forums to connect with others in the SMA community.

View Forums

Perspectives

  1. Main graphic for Discussion
    Columns

    I’m keeping the faith that our night shift nurse shortage will find a solution

  2. Main graphic for column titled Discussion
    Columns

    Social mixers usually aren’t for me, but I took a risk and it paid off

  3. Banner for Connie Chandler's column Discussion
    Columns

    Friendly competition makes my caregivers strive for excellence

  4. Banner image for Halsey Blocher's column Discussion
    Columns

    A seasonal treat offers a reprieve from my swallowing difficulties

  5. main graphic for column titled Discussion
    Columns

    Why I’m dedicated to providing support to others in the SMA community

  6. Banner for Connie Chandler's column Discussion
    Columns

    3 exercises I can do from my wheelchair, and why I do them

View All Columns

Special Collections

A close-up view of a strand of DNA highlights its double-helix structure.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Genetics

Wheelchair illustration

Specialized Equipment for SMA Patients

A child in a wheelchair raises his arms above his head.

Living Well With SMA

  1. A close-up view of a strand of DNA highlights its double-helix structure.

    Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Genetics

  2. Wheelchair illustration

    Specialized Equipment for SMA Patients

  3. A child in a wheelchair raises his arms above his head.

    Living Well With SMA

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