31 days of SMA will run through the month of August for SMA awareness month. Everyday for the next 31 days a different member of the SMA community will share their story and unique perspective on life with SMA.
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…
Jose and his wife, Andrea. (Photo courtesy of Jose Flores) Day 5 of 31 This is Jose Flores’s (@joseinspires) story: A barrier is any obstacle that prevents movement or access. My name is Jose Flores, and I’m a 45-year-old from Florida, a global motivator, consultant, and No. 1…
Photo courtesy of Chessa Birrell Day 4 of 31 This is Chessa Birrell’s story: My name is Chessa Birrell. I am 26 years old and have SMA type 2. I live with my parents in Powder Springs, Georgia. I graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree…
Photo courtesy of Stéphanie Houvet Day 3 of 31 This is Stéphanie Houvet’s (@stefookie) story: My name is Stéphanie and I’m from France. My father is French and my mother comes from the Czech Republic; they met on holidays. I was born in the Czech Republic with…
Megan DeJarnett, left in wheelchair, with her husband, Jake, and her sons Bronx, left, and Shai. (Photo courtesy of Megan DeJarnett) Day 2 of 31 This is Megan DeJarnett’s (@megandejarnett) story: I remember being around 10 years old when I heard the doctor tell my parents that the…
(Photo courtesy of Shaniqua Granby) Day 1 of 31 This is Shaniqua Granby’s (@shaniqua__niqua) story: A few people have said to me, “You know, Shaniqua, it’s so cool that you are an attorney,” and while I do believe I accomplished a fantastic objective in my life, they may…
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