Life, One Cup at a Time – a Column by Alyssa Silva

March 27, 2020March 25, 2020

Letting Love Light My Way Through the Unknown

Columns, Life, One Cup at a Time - a Column by Alyssa Silva

I was scrolling through Instagram recently and found myself growing increasingly bitter about what I saw. People were congregated on beaches, packed like sardines in bars, and carrying on ... Read more

March 13, 2020March 11, 2020

Chronic Ear Infections Put a Damper on Life

Columns, Life, One Cup at a Time - a Column by Alyssa Silva

Another day, another opportunity to go through a box of tissues to wipe the drainage coming out of my ears. Is that how the saying goes? That may have ... Read more

February 28, 2020February 26, 2020

Celebrating My Zebra Spots on Rare Disease Day

Columns, Life, One Cup at a Time - a Column by Alyssa Silva

Recently, I learned that zebras are the official symbol of rare diseases. I have a rare disease, and my unique characteristics — such as a zebra’s stripes — serve ... Read more

February 14, 2020February 13, 2020

Learning to Navigate the World in My Permobil F3

Columns, Life, One Cup at a Time - a Column by Alyssa Silva

The SMA News Today Forums heard it first, but I’d like to introduce you to my brand new Permobil F3 wheelchair. Her name is Rizzo, and yes, I am ... Read more

January 31, 2020January 29, 2020

On Being in Tune with My Body

Columns, Life, One Cup at a Time - a Column by Alyssa Silva

All my life I’ve been freakishly in tune with my body. It sounds like a great quality to have, right? I’ve always been hyperaware of my symptoms and can ... Read more

January 17, 2020January 16, 2020

Please Stop Glorifying Being Homebound

Columns, Life, One Cup at a Time - a Column by Alyssa Silva

As I write this, I’ve been home for 11 days. Actually, let me rephrase that. I haven’t left this house so much as to go outside to get some ... Read more

January 3, 2020December 20, 2019

My 10-year Transformation: I Proudly Wear My SMA Battle Scars

Columns, Life, One Cup at a Time - a Column by Alyssa Silva

For the past few weeks, social media feeds have been inundated with posts about the #10yearchallenge. It’s a way for people to showcase transformative photos of themselves. Some are ... Read more

December 20, 2019December 18, 2019

Our Christmas Lights Remind Me to Slow Down and Savor the Moment

Columns, Life, One Cup at a Time - a Column by Alyssa Silva

This time of year is my family’s time to shine — literally. Our house sits on a hill on a narrow street that runs parallel to the main road. ... Read more

December 6, 2019December 4, 2019

The Unexpected Feeling a Bookstore Gave Me

Columns, Life, One Cup at a Time - a Column by Alyssa Silva

I was recently strolling through the best-sellers section of a bookstore and couldn’t remember the last time I had set foot in one. I had just stopped in for ... Read more

November 15, 2019November 13, 2019

I’m Learning to Find Gratitude in Unexpected Ways

Columns, Life, One Cup at a Time - a Column by Alyssa Silva

In this season of giving thanks, I keep reflecting on the importance of gratitude. Gratitude greatly impacts our lives, but as someone with SMA, I’ve found the concept easier ... Read more