Columns

As much as I don’t like to admit it, sometimes life can be brutally unfair. I’m even hesitant to type these words because it seems as though everyone is ... Read more

September 20, 2017September 19, 2017

Machines are Just One Part of Caregiving — 24/7/365

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

Our nights are broken up by machines beeping, or Ella calling for us to reposition her as she sleeps. Having a child with SMA means interrupted sleep is par ... Read more

September 19, 2017September 18, 2017

One Year Since I Attempted Stand-up Comedy

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

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 ... Read more

September 18, 2017September 15, 2017

Saying No to Shame, Embarrassment and Difficult Physical Activities

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

I’m writing this in the car again, off to Iowa for a weekend of family visits. It was a busy week, so I’m looking forward to a couple of ... Read more

September 15, 2017September 14, 2017

Life Before and After Spinraza, Part 2

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

Second in a series. Read Part 1 here. There’s a certain significance that Dec. 4 holds in my life. What started as an ordinary day morphed into the day ... Read more

September 13, 2017September 12, 2017

Adjusting to Overnight Feeding and More Solid Foods

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

Ella has lost five pounds over the past month, which has been the result of a dietary change. Before this change, she was primarily getting her nutrition via G-tube, ... Read more

September 12, 2017September 14, 2017

My New Role Here at ‘SMA News Today’

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

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 ... Read more

September 11, 2017September 8, 2017

Finding Meaning in School and Work — ‘Lightly’

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

By the time this gets published, I’ll have started the last semester of my undergraduate career, which is exciting … and terrifying in equal measure. People always say it ... Read more

September 8, 2017September 8, 2017

Life Before and After Spinraza, Part 1

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

If I asked you right now to tell me what your life’s defining moments were, what would you choose? Would it be something that left you feeling content and ... Read more

September 6, 2017September 6, 2017

She’s Musical

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

Ella sits in the waiting room every Monday at 3:30 p.m. as Ava and Henry receive their instrument lessons. Ava plays the violin and Henry the piano. While she ... Read more