Halsey Blocher,  —

I’ve collected a variety of scars throughout my life. Many people with SMA have comparable ones from similar surgeries. Even if you don’t have SMA, I’m guessing you also have at least one or two scars of your own. Each of my scars tells its own story of a difficult…

Because of the current state of the world, I felt safe in assuming I wouldn’t be attending any concerts this summer. I love concerts, but large, tightly packed crowds aren’t safe right now. However, I forgot to account for how creative people can be. On Independence Day, my family loaded…

For many years, Cure SMA, formerly known as Families of SMA, has organized an annual conference that brings together members of the SMA community from around the globe to learn and connect with each other. Given the current situation, most people were not surprised to…

The long-awaited days of summer have nearly arrived, and I am doing my best to take full advantage of the warmer weather. After so many months of sweaters that make it harder for me to move and sporadic snow flurries late into the year, it’s refreshing to throw open the…

We recently welcomed a new addition to our family. Our adorable puppy, Thor, is a mix of Australian shepherd (75%) and blue heeler (25%). Another name for this mix is Pure Cuteness. Thor seems to be adjusting well to his new home.

I often write about my personal perspective of life, but today I want to introduce an incredible person to whom I have the privilege of being a big sister. Among the many students finishing up their final year of studies is my no longer little brother,…

Like me, you’ve probably had far fewer face-to-face interactions since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s no longer safe to have company over, and we can’t meet friends or family members for lunch. I’ve been unable to gather with my friends at Turnstone for over a month. These types…

This week is my first work anniversary here at SMA News Today. It’s crazy to think that I’ve had this spectacular job for an entire year. There are so many things that I could tell you about this past year, but instead, I’d like to take…

Reports about COVID-19 have been all over the news and social media. People around the globe are being urged or required to practice social distancing, proper hand washing, and sheltering at home to prevent spreading the highly contagious virus. You might be experiencing social distancing or self-quarantine for the first…

For many years, I’ve been involved in a fantastic local organization called Turnstone that serves the disabled community with a variety of services. I’ve been blessed to benefit from Turnstone’s services since I was 3, both as a client in therapy and in other programs. In recent years, I have…