If you are able-bodied and you have a friend or family member with SMA, there are some important things to keep in mind in terms of how you can be supportive. Maybe you recently became friends with an SMA individual or you have a family member who was recently diagnosed.
Carson Berry is a Junior at Coastal Carolina University studying marine biology. Berry also has SMA type 2, and in recent years, his condition has taken a significant toll on his arm strength and upper-body strength. Whereas he used to have enough muscle strength to lift light objects and slightly…
The other day Facebook reminded me that a year ago I gave stand-up comedy a shot at an open mic night. My local comedy club does open mic sessions every week, and since I have a few comedian friends who had been encouraging me to try it…
Purchasing a new wheelchair is no easy feat. In addition to getting your insurance provider to cover the cost, you also have to make sure that the chair you are acquiring will meet your needs and has all of the proper accommodations. Read this article from the Washington Post by…
Living with SMA no doubt presents numerous challenges, but as they say, “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” A good education is just as important for SMA patients as it is for able-bodied students. Many go to public school from Kindergarten to high school, and go on to graduate…
Since April, I’ve been writing this weekly column, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. Telling my story here on SMA News Today and sharing my thoughts on a wide range of topics has been liberating, rewarding and it has allowed me to connect with others…
Living with SMA or any kind of visible disability means that numerous awkward conversations inevitably will occur. It’s simply one of the things that happens when you’re in a wheelchair, especially when talking with kids or really, really dumb adults. Yet with all the odd comments and questions…
As summer comes to an end and many colleges and grade schools are already in full swing, I’ve been thinking about how I made it through four and a half years of college as someone with SMA. It was far from easy, but it was still one…
While modern technology is a nice convenience for most people, for people with SMA, it’s one of the most innovative resources we have to live independently. I recently wrote about my new wheelchair and how the features on it help me adapt to my weakening body…
After three denials by my insurance provider, countless phone calls and my amazing neurologist fighting for me, I finally acquired a new wheelchair a few days ago. The process took a year, and while the insurance fiasco was a headache, at least this particular battle is over…
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