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

Reflecting on the SMA treatment decision that changed my life

This column describes the author’s own experiences with Spinraza (nusinersen). Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. When trying to decide on a topic for this week’s column, my procrastination got the best of me, as it usually…

Learning to find joy in the most unexpected places

Entering the hospital recently for what felt like the millionth time was not my idea of an afternoon well spent. Nevertheless, it wasn’t like I had much of a choice. My nasojejunal feeding tube requires me to go to the interventional radiology department every 10 days to get my…

Why I prefer empathy over pity in life with SMA

“Please don’t feel sorry for me when I don’t feel sorry for myself.” These are the words I wish I could tattoo across my forehead anytime I’m out in public. OK, maybe that would be a little over the top. Perhaps I’d settle for a sign hanging from my…

After years of health struggles, I am growing stronger

Although I often don’t like to admit it, I sometimes feel as though my identity has switched from person to patient overnight. The past few years have been hellish, with one health battle after another. It feels like I’ve been sidelined in my own life. But despite the seemingly…

The fragility of my independence with a broken wheelchair

Through my experience with SMA, I’ve come to understand the fragility of life. I’ve also come to understand the fragility of my wheelchair. I’ve been using a wheelchair for three decades and have learned how invaluable it is to my life and my independence. Though people often pity…