Diagnosed at 5 months of age, Alyssa has set out to raise awareness about life with SMA Type I through writing. By getting personal and being open about her trials and triumphs, she wants the world to know that SMA can put up a good fight, but we can always fight back exceedingly harder. Aside from writing, Alyssa is the community director for an adaptive fashion brand and has founded her own nonprofit called Working On Walking. In her free time, she enjoys discovering new coffee shops within a 50-mile radius of her hometown in Rhode Island.My wheelchair has been my ultimate sidekick since I was a curly-headed toddler, and just like any other great sidekick, I rely on it for pretty much every aspect of life. Without my wheelchair, I would be helpless, confined and literally stuck. As the only source of independent…
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 always so focused on creating and chasing the idea of a perfect life. No one wants to be metaphorically…
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 that forever changed the course of my life. That’s just how life works in its mysterious ways. The…
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 hopeful? Or would it be something more dark and gloomy? Each of us has moments when it’s almost as…
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” We’ve all heard this saying. It has been repeated and engraved into our brains. It teaches us to take the bitterness of life and learn to make it sweet again. Rise above our adversities and choose to lead a positive and…
“All right, Alyssa, let’s see how quickly we can do this,” I shouted to my assistant, who conveniently shares my name. I had exactly one hour to get flowers at the local supermarket and get to the hospital to visit my grandfather before his physical therapy appointment. So…
Did you know that when buffalo sense a storm coming, they run into it? I recently took a writing course, and the instructor shared this fascinating tidbit with us all. Most animals and humans alike seek shelter when we feel and see a storm brewing in the distance. Lightning strikes,…
In promising to be as open and honest with you at all times, I must preface this column by telling you I find myself in a season of struggle right now. Life as I know it is messy. It’s chaotic and out of balance and, at times, downright ugly. A…
I don’t know about you, but this time of the year always has me daydreaming of some sort of tropical getaway complete with life-changing excursions and the ability to immerse oneself in new cultures and traditions. At heart, I’m consumed by wanderlust. I love seeking new adventures and exploring all…
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 to survive the workday. Old friends, new friends, and best friends sit and mingle on their lunch breaks or while their…