Every day in August, we will feature a story from someone in the spinal muscular atrophy community to mark SMA Awareness Month. At the end of the month, our goal is to have a collection of stories that represent different perspectives on life with SMA that help to inspire and empower our readers. Follow along with the series here or visit us on Facebook and Instagram, using the hashtag #31DaysofSMA.
From left, Kevin, Bryce, Drew, Judy, and Delaney Soule. (Photo courtesy of the Soule family) Day 31 of 31 This is Drew Soule’s story: Living with SMA is not for the faint of heart, but someone has to…
Read moreHarper Hanki, center, with her siblings. (Photo courtesy of Amanda Hanki) Day 10 of 31 This is Harper (@myhero.harper) and Amanda Hanki’s story: Raising a child with a disability wasn’t something I ever considered until I…
Photo courtesy of George Wang Day 9 of 31 This is George Wang’s story: The late theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking once advised us to “concentrate on things your disability doesn’t prevent you doing well, and don’t…
From left, Steve, Brittany, Christian, and Azlyn Bingman. (Photo courtesy of Brittany Bingman) Day 8 of 31 This is Brittany Bingman’s story: As a little girl growing up, I had this perfect idea of whom I would marry…
From left, Antoine and Janelle. (Photo courtesy of Janelle Fiesta) Day 7 of 31 This is Janelle Fiesta’s story: When I was in elementary school, I knew that I was physically different from my peers.
From left, Tonje, Morten, and baby Gulla. (Photo courtesy of Tonje Larsen) Day 6 of 31 This is Tonje Larsen’s (@rollin_with_tonye) story: Hi, my name is Tonje. I’m 23 years old and was born with spinal…
Jose and his wife, Andrea. (Photo courtesy of Jose Flores) Day 5 of 31 This is Jose Flores’s (@joseinspires) story: A barrier is any obstacle that prevents movement or access. My name is Jose Flores, and I’m…
Photo courtesy of Chessa Birrell Day 4 of 31 This is Chessa Birrell’s story: My name is Chessa Birrell. I am 26 years old and have SMA type 2. I live with my parents in Powder Springs,…
Photo courtesy of Stéphanie Houvet Day 3 of 31 This is Stéphanie Houvet’s (@stefookie) story: My name is Stéphanie and I’m from France. My father is French and my mother comes from the Czech Republic; they met…
Megan DeJarnett, left in wheelchair, with her husband, Jake, and her sons Bronx, left, and Shai. (Photo courtesy of Megan DeJarnett) Day 2 of 31 This is Megan DeJarnett’s (@megandejarnett) story: I remember being around 10 years…
(Photo courtesy of Shaniqua Granby) Day 1 of 31 This is Shaniqua Granby’s (@shaniqua__niqua) story: A few people have said to me, “You know, Shaniqua, it’s so cool that you are an attorney,” and while I do…
