Columns

Let’s imagine you and I are enjoying a delicious cup of coffee right now. Around us are people engrossed in their laptops, slugging down every ounce of caffeine, just ... Read more

July 19, 2017July 19, 2017

Proper Lifting Techniques Essential for Both Patients and Caregivers

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

Children grow. They grow older. They lengthen. They gain weight. The same is true for kids with SMA. Because they are wheelchair-bound, their caregivers spend much of the day ... Read more

July 18, 2017July 18, 2017

As My Body Weakens, I Must Adapt and Move Forward

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

As I’m writing this, I’m not working on a laptop, but on my iPhone. To my left is my robotic arm, mounted on the side of my wheelchair, which ... Read more

July 17, 2017July 20, 2017

Where Disability and Mental Illness Meet, Silence Isn’t an Option

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

I’ve been depressed on and off for over a decade; I’ve what is called persistent depressive disorder or “dysthymia.” I still feel hopeless, I still lack productivity, I still ... Read more

July 12, 2017July 12, 2017

A Peek Inside ‘Ava’s Wink Club’

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

“Get off the pillow!” screamed Ava. “It’s my pillow. You get outta my room!” yelled Ella. “You wanted me in here…” argued Ava. “Well, now I don’t, so GET ... Read more

July 11, 2017July 10, 2017

Rolling Through Disney: The 2017 Cure SMA Conference

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

There was a period when the last thing I wanted to do with my summer was spend time with other people who have SMA. As a moody, cynical teenager, ... Read more

July 10, 2017July 10, 2017

I Broke Up with Apple, and Here’s Why

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

I’ve been an Apple user since my senior year of high school. And before that I was an iPhone user — and before that, an iPod user, and by ... Read more

July 5, 2017July 3, 2017

A Helping Hand from a Youngster with SMA: From Painting to Physical Therapy

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

The nature of SMA Type 2 makes everyday tasks difficult. Brushing teeth, getting dressed, and even drinking water can pose challenges that require others’ help. Accepting help is part of ... Read more

June 30, 2017June 30, 2017

Harsh Flu and a Wake-up Call: Let’s Go, Seize the Day!

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

Guess who spent the last several days in the hospital with the stomach flu! I think I mentioned in a previous column that I haven’t been sick in — ... Read more

June 28, 2017June 27, 2017

Protecting the Walls: Wheelchair Accessible Homes are Trial and Error

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

Around almost every corner of each wall on our first floor we have small corner protectors. This is to combat Ella clipping the corners as she cruises around the ... Read more