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.
Photo courtesy of Vita Bernik Day 21 of 31 This is Vita Bernik’s (@wheelchairsparkle) story: Hey there! My name’s Vita, I’m 23 years old, and I’m from Slovenia. I’m a university student studying criminal justice and security, a blogger, and a model. In 2019, a photographer reached out to…
Photo courtesy of Seda Karakaya Day 20 of 31 This is Seda Karakaya’s (@lifebeyondmywheels) story: Hey! This is Seda from Turkey. I’m a 24-year-old college girl with SMA type 2 who studies two majors at two different universities. Nope, one wasn’t enough for me. I guess I like…
Photo courtesy of Bryarly Parker Day 19 of 31 This is Bryarly Parker’s (@movingmountainsformightymax) story: Max was diagnosed with SMA type 2 on Nov. 24, 2020, in Alberta, Canada, when he was 22 months old. We realized something was wrong when he stopped weight-bearing, was barely moving…
Photo courtesy of Noelle Hazel Day 18 of 31 This is Noelle Hazel’s (@noellegrace14) story: Hi! My name is Noelle, and I have SMA type 2. I have a brother who has the same disease type. Growing up with a sibling who is disabled has truly helped me…
Photo courtesy of Sarbjot Kaur Day 17 of 31 This is Sarbjot Kaur’s story: Mehtab, whose name means moonlight, is our cheerful, adorable, and compassionate 4-year-old son. He loves playing with superheroes, dinosaurs, and Legos — his favorites are Black Panther, Batman, and T. rex. After numerous visits to…
Photo courtesy of Hanna Eide Day 16 of 31 This is Hanna Eide’s story: My name is Hanna, and I’m a digital artist. I use Adobe Photoshop to do my artwork, using images from the internet that are labeled for reuse and modification. I sell my artwork through my…
Photo courtesy of Jacob Frost Day 15 of 31 This is Jacob Frost’s story: I have SMA type 3. I started using a wheelchair in elementary school. Thanks to supportive family and parents, I never believed my disease controlled my life or limited my potential. I dreamed of…
Photo courtesy of Joe Frost Day 14 of 31 This is Joe Frost’s story: Life with a disability is much akin to playing a game on insane mode, due to the lack of access to resources, services, and sites. Yet, for all the challenges, there are a few benefits.
Photo courtesy of Pia Noi Schmid Day 13 of 31 This is Pia Noi Schmid’s (@pianschmid) story: I’m Pia Noi Schmid. “Noi” is my middle name — it means “little” in Thai. Cute, isn’t it? When I was 2 years old, I was diagnosed with SMA type 2.
Photo courtesy of Tristram Peters Day 12 of 31 This is Tristram Peters’ (@tristrampeters) story: When I was younger, I tried to hide my disability. I’d push myself to do everything my peers did, to show my disability didn’t matter. I’d even choose not to wear my tray/table…
