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

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

November 1, 2019October 29, 2019

Autumn Brings a Bittersweet Feeling

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

It is truly the most wonderful time of the year. As you read these words, I hope that you are envisioning me spinning in my wheelchair, wearing an oversized ... Read more

October 25, 2019October 22, 2019

From Hospital Stays to Grateful Days

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

Last weekend, my friends and I celebrated my 29th birthday with a brunch that was arguably too classy for us kids. The Champagne endlessly poured, the laughter continuously ensued, ... Read more

October 18, 2019October 17, 2019

Faced with the Unexpected, My Family Had to Break Our ‘Sick Rules’

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

It has been a bizarre week in the Silva household. Come to think of it, “stressful” may be a better adjective to describe the energy inside our four walls. ... Read more

October 11, 2019October 9, 2019

On Fulfilling My Role as Maid of Honor

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

“Houston, we’re not in kindergarten anymore,” I said as we looked at our reflections in the mirror. My hair was carefully pinned back just right. My makeup was meticulously ... Read more

October 4, 2019October 10, 2019

Embarking on the Journey to Find a New Wheelchair

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

“I was once the proud owner of a Jaguar,” is one of my go-to statements whenever I play “two truths and a lie.” If you haven’t heard of the ... Read more

September 27, 2019September 25, 2019

Finding Humor in Stinky Situations

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

I always get hit with a wave of back-to-school nostalgia when September creeps up on the calendar. The days of shopping for supplies, picking out a first-day-of-school outfit, and ... Read more