Alyssa Silva,  —

Alyssa Silva is a writer based out of Providence, Rhode Island. She was diagnosed with SMA type 1 in 1991 when she was just 5 months old. Aside from writing, Alyssa is the chief creative officer for an intimates brand and runs a small business selling her artwork. In her free time, you can find her canceling plans to hang out with her golden retrievers, watching reruns of "The Office," and convincing others why Taylor Swift is the greatest of all time.

Articles by Alyssa Silva

On Being in Tune with My Body

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 spot when something in my body feels off. This bodes well when it comes to viruses and other types of illnesses…

Please Stop Glorifying Being Homebound

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 fresh air, feel the sunlight gently grace my skin, or see what the outside world has been up to for the…

The Unexpected Feeling a Bookstore Gave Me

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 the Starbucks coffee. However, while my personal care assistant ran to the bathroom, I decided to peruse the book display near…

I’m Learning to Find Gratitude in Unexpected Ways

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 said than done. At the risk of sounding harsh, on some days I feel as though there is absolutely nothing in…

Autumn Brings a Bittersweet Feeling

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 cardigan with leaves falling all around me, and resting a pumpkin spice latte on my footplate. When it comes to autumn,…

From Hospital Stays to Grateful Days

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, and my heart overflowed with feelings of togetherness and gratitude. To complete the first-time experience at this rooftop restaurant, our table…