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

Until I was 15, I managed to stay reasonably healthy. But for the first time in almost a decade that year, I was hospitalized. The winter months can be ... Read more

October 6, 2017October 6, 2017

My Wheelchair Is Dead. Now What?

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

My wheelchair has been my ultimate sidekick since I was a curly-headed toddler, and just like any other great sidekick, I rely on it for pretty much every aspect ... Read more

September 22, 2017September 21, 2017

Promise You Won’t Quit, OK?

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

As much as I don’t like to admit it, sometimes life can be brutally unfair. I’m even hesitant to type these words because it seems as though everyone is ... Read more

September 15, 2017September 14, 2017

Life Before and After Spinraza, Part 2

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

Second in a series. Read Part 1 here. There’s a certain significance that Dec. 4 holds in my life. What started as an ordinary day morphed into the day ... Read more

September 8, 2017September 8, 2017

Life Before and After Spinraza, Part 1

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

If I asked you right now to tell me what your life’s defining moments were, what would you choose? Would it be something that left you feeling content and ... Read more

September 1, 2017August 31, 2017

When Life Gave Me Lemons

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

“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” We’ve all heard this saying. It has been repeated and engraved into our brains. It teaches us to take the bitterness of ... Read more

August 18, 2017August 17, 2017

When Hospital Roles Are Reversed

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

“All right, Alyssa, let’s see how quickly we can do this,” I shouted to my assistant, who conveniently shares my name. I had exactly one hour to get flowers ... Read more

August 11, 2017August 10, 2017

What You Can Learn Living in the Eye of the Storm

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

Did you know that when buffalo sense a storm coming, they run into it? I recently took a writing course, and the instructor shared this fascinating tidbit with us ... Read more

August 4, 2017August 3, 2017

Why You Should Embrace Your Struggles

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

In promising to be as open and honest with you at all times, I must preface this column by telling you I find myself in a season of struggle ... Read more

July 28, 2017July 28, 2017

The Pros and Cons of Traveling in a Wheelchair

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

I don’t know about you, but this time of the year always has me daydreaming of some sort of tropical getaway complete with life-changing excursions and the ability to ... Read more