Bionews Staff,  writers and editors—

Photo courtesy of Ryan Manriquez Day 25 of 31 This is Ryan Manriquez’s (@ryanmanriquezz) story: Hi, everyone! My name is Ryan Manriquez, my pronouns are he/they, and I live with SMA type 2. I am 22 years old and a fifth-year transfer student at the University…

Photo courtesy of Maddy Gunawan Day 24 of 31 This is Maddy Gunawan‘s story: Hi! My name is Maddy, and I was diagnosed with SMA type 2 before my second birthday. Upon receiving a diagnosis, my parents faced a mountain of unknowns. They recently…

Photo courtesy of Stephen Mikita Day 23 of 31 This is Stephen Mikita’s (@stevemikita) story: In 1968, I was 12 years old and had severe scoliosis. My doctors told me that my spine resembled the letter S, and I underwent spinal fusion. To say that…

Logan Mundy and Arya Singh Day 22 of 31 This is Arya Singh and Logan Mundy’s story, as told by Logan: I was nervous for my first date with Arya. At the time, I had not even heard of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and knew nothing about disability or…

Photo courtesy of Jasmine West Day 21 of 31 This is Jasmine West’s story: Hello, I’m Jasmine, I’m 28 years old and live in England. I was diagnosed with SMA when I was 18 months old. I work full time in payroll, and I model in my spare…

Photo courtesy of Ross Hovey Day 20 of 31 This is Ross Hovey’s (@thesmartchap_rosshovey) story: Having just turned 43, I’m reflecting on my achievements in life and the regrets I have, which I am fortunate to say are few and far between. While everyone’s lives are different,…

Photo courtesy of Shailynn Taylor Day 19 of 31 This is Shailynn Taylor’s story: Hi! I’m a 26-year-old entrepreneur, university graduate, public speaker, and model, and I live with SMA type 2. I remember what the lack of representation in all aspects of my life felt like as…

Photo courtesy of Madison Parrotta Day 18 of 31 This is Madison Parrotta’s story: From as early as I can recall, having SMA felt like being on the world’s largest Ferris wheel. There were ups and down, and plateaus in between, and being stuck in one place for…

Photo courtesy of Kyra Richardson Day 17 of 31 This is Kyra Richardson’s story: Growing up with a SMA, I was often in and out of the hospital. At age 7, I had spinal surgery because my back was curved like an S. I had breathing problems…

Carli Lynne Hamilton with her husband, Jared, and daughter, B. (Photo courtesy of Carli Lynne Hamilton) Day 16 of 31 This is Carli Lynne Hamilton’s story: I am Carli Hamilton. I was diagnosed with SMA when I was 2 years old. Like many other parents who receive the diagnosis…