Columns

March 22, 2019March 20, 2019

After Winter’s Thaw, We Need a Spring Cleaning for the Soul

Columns, Life, One Cup at a Time - a Column by Alyssa Silva

According to the calendar and the extra hours of sunlight we’ve been getting a feel for, a new season is finally upon us. I love the message this time ... Read more

March 20, 2019March 19, 2019

Ella Shows Empathy as She Encourages Her Friend

Columns, Five Servings of Strength- a column by Michael Casten

Ella has had several surgeries in the past seven years since her diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Her first was for the placement of her G-tube. This device ... Read more

March 19, 2019March 19, 2019

Welcome to ‘The Mermaid Chronic(les)’

Columns, The Mermaid Chronic(les) - a Column by Kala Godin

Hello, everyone! My name is Kala, and I’d like to introduce you to the first installment of my column, “The Mermaid Chronic(les).” Mermaid stories have always been my favorite, ... Read more

March 19, 2019March 15, 2019

SMA Is Part of My Identity, But It Doesn’t Define Me

Columns, Embracing My Inner Alien - a column by Kevin Schaefer

A few days ago, I was talking with my friend Young, a fellow journalist and comic book enthusiast who now writes a column for Charcot-Marie-Tooth News. Ever since we ... Read more

March 18, 2019March 14, 2019

Practicing Sustainability with SMA

Columns, The Wolf Finally Frees Itself - a column by Brianna Albers

I try to be environmentally conscious. I’ve been using my Google Home for years now, and have been switching as much of my home as possible to smart technology. ... Read more

March 15, 2019March 22, 2019

How My Service Dog Helps Break Social Barriers

Columns, Life, One Cup at a Time - a Column by Alyssa Silva

For those of you who don’t follow me on Instagram and see my absurd collection of pictures of my dogs, I have two retrievers named Wish and Vince. Vince, ... Read more

March 13, 2019March 12, 2019

Henry Lets His Feelings Be Known

Columns, Five Servings of Strength- a column by Michael Casten

The title of this column is “Five Servings of Strength,” referring to the five members of our family. There’s me (Michael, the father), Lindsay (the mother), Ava (11), Henry ... Read more

March 12, 2019March 11, 2019

From Homebody to Road Warrior

Columns, Embracing My Inner Alien - a column by Kevin Schaefer

I write a lot about defying the odds and being adventurous despite my disability. I’m not keen on being called an inspiration by people who don’t even know me, but nevertheless, ... Read more

March 11, 2019March 8, 2019

When Vulnerability Is Harder Than Usual

Columns, The Wolf Finally Frees Itself - a column by Brianna Albers

I’ve always been a fan of vulnerability, I think because the concept is intrinsic to who I am as a person. I can’t leave the house without accepting vulnerability. ... Read more

March 8, 2019March 7, 2019

What the Uphill Battle of Gaining Weight Feels Like

Columns, Life, One Cup at a Time - a Column by Alyssa Silva

One of the most dreadful, ongoing battles I’ve experienced with my doctors in recent years is my inability to gain weight. At every appointment, during every procedure, and with ... Read more