Bionews Staff,  writers and editors—

Zarek, left, and Zack Elizondo. (Photo courtesy of Zarek Elizondo) Day 15 of 31 This is Zarek Elizondo‘s (@sweetlifeofzackandzarek) story: Hi, my name is Zarek Elizondo. I’m 26 years old, and at 18 months, I was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)…

Céline and Amber-Joi. (Photo courtesy of Amber-Joi Watkins) Day 14 of 31 This is Amber Joi-Watkins’s story: My daughter, Céline, was diagnosed with SMA type 1 in December 2018, when she was 6 months old. My only focus at the time was to get her treated…

Photo courtesy of Steve Bingman Day 13 of 31 This is Steve Bingman’s story: Society often tells us that those with disabilities have a predicted path of life. What society doesn’t tell you is that your disability can be used as an advantage in life. I call this concept my…

Photo courtesy of Ben Lou Day 12 of 31 This is Ben Lou‘s story: Hi, I’m Ben, a mathematician, physicist, and philosopher studying at MIT. I also have SMA type 2. You’ll find me in the mornings pondering my problems in bed. I’ll be reading…

Kristen and her son Jack. (Photo courtesy of Kristen Resendez) Day 11 of 31 This is Kristen Resendez’s story: As a mom, my favorite time of the year is the Cure SMA Annual Conference. It’s the only time of the year when I know my son can be…

Harper Hanki, center, with her siblings. (Photo courtesy of Amanda Hanki) Day 10 of 31 This is Harper (@myhero.harper) and Amanda Hanki’s story: Raising a child with a disability wasn’t something I ever considered until I was thrown into the mix. A short two and a half…

Photo courtesy of George Wang Day 9 of 31 This is George Wang’s story: The late theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking once advised us to “concentrate on things your disability doesn’t prevent you doing well, and don’t regret the things it interferes with. Don’t be disabled in spirit,…

From left, Steve, Brittany, Christian, and Azlyn Bingman. (Photo courtesy of Brittany Bingman) Day 8 of 31 This is Brittany Bingman’s story: As a little girl growing up, I had this perfect idea of whom I would marry and what kind of family I would have. It all came…

From left, Antoine and Janelle. (Photo courtesy of Janelle Fiesta) Day 7 of 31 This is Janelle Fiesta’s story: When I was in elementary school, I knew that I was physically different from my peers. Besides being the only student in a power wheelchair, I wasn’t…

From left, Tonje, Morten, and baby Gulla. (Photo courtesy of Tonje Larsen) Day 6 of 31 This is Tonje Larsen’s (@rollin_with_tonye) story: Hi, my name is Tonje. I’m 23 years old and was born with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 2. I live in Norway, and I’m…