A few weeks ago, my mother injured her foot, temporarily limiting her mobility. As she struggled to get around, relying on others for assistance, she looked at me and said, “I never realized how hard this is.” That moment stuck with me — not because I was surprised, but because…
Empathy is often described as the ability to imagine yourself in another’s shoes, see the world through their eyes, and feel the weight of their experiences as if they were yours. But empathy is more than just a fleeting sense of understanding. It’s the heartbeat of human connections. It bridges…
Writing is a kind of magic — a spell woven with intention and purpose. It’s more than just a passion; it’s my superpower. I can bridge the gap between myself and the world through words, expressing empathy, kindling hope, and leaving an indelible mark on hearts I may never meet.
Volunteering has given me more joy and meaning than I ever imagined possible. Living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) means I can’t move my own body, but that hasn’t stopped me from finding ways to move others. Whether supporting disaster relief efforts or creating meaningful moments for hospice patients,…
As depression and anxiety started to affect my outlook on life, I noticed how these challenges clouded even the simplest moments. Depression’s weight often made it hard to see beyond a day’s struggles, while anxiety wrapped every action and interaction in a shroud of what-ifs and what-nows. Seemingly a…
Since I have spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), my birthday always demands a grand celebration. And this year was extraordinary. Not only am I closer to bidding farewell to my 20s, but I also had the chance to journey back to my beloved hometown, New York City, for an…
As those of us with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) know all too well, people with disabilities often face a slew of assumptions and misconceptions. To improve awareness and understanding, I want to address five of the most prevalent myths I’ve encountered, especially as I’ve become more visible and engaged…
The digital age has transformed how we connect, empowering people like me to engage with the world from anywhere. My tech obsession ignited around age 14 with the thrill of my first Nintendo DSi. Despite needing creative positioning for myself and my device, I was instantly hooked, often…
As another hot summer gets underway, I’ve been reflecting on two pivotal events that took place a year ago this month. These memories elicit feelings of joy whenever I’m feeling down in life with SMA. On June 11, 2023, my summer kicked off with a bang. My best friend,…
“Having a sister is like having a best friend you can’t get rid of. You know whatever you do, they’ll still be there.” — Amy Li My sister, Jessie, and I have always shared the closest bond among my four wonderful siblings. Growing up, she understood that I couldn’t walk…
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