Halsey Blocher,  —

Halsey Blocher is a young woman who was diagnosed with SMA Type 1 in 1999 after a blood test revealed a deletion of the survival motor neuron gene. She now lives with her loving family in Fort Wayne, IN and spends her free time reading, cooking, creating, and enjoying life’s blessings. Halsey is passionate about her work as the columns manager at BioNews Inc. as well as volunteering with various local organizations. Writing is her lifelong dream, so she uses this gift to advocate and offer glimpses into everyday life with SMA in the hope that it will inspire readers to seek the positive in every situation

Articles by Halsey Blocher

Virtual Assistants Can Offer Independence but Not Privacy

Have you ever felt like there could be someone spying on you by listening to your private conversations? Well, perhaps that sensation is being caused by your virtual assistant. Yes, I’m talking about those helpful little devices that sit on the corner of the table or dwell in your smartphone’s…

What It Means to Stay Healthy While Living With SMA

One glance at my medical records will very clearly tell you that I’m not exactly healthy. The information contained within my chart includes a primary diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy type 1 and a list of medications prescribed to treat that disease and manage its…

Let’s Give Thanks for Our Family Caregivers All Year Long

It takes a lot to manage daily life with SMA. From the mundane to the extraordinary, everything I do — although it takes much more than just myself — requires a practiced juggling act consisting of medications, specialists, assistive technology, medical equipment, appointments, adequate rest, and helping hands. One…

Acknowledging the Price We Pay for a Day of Play

I love to go out and explore bits of the world with family and friends. Dinner at a restaurant, coffee dates, shopping trips, festivals, vacations — all of these are awesome activities. It takes some effort and teamwork to get my medical equipment out the door and…