Columns

February 1, 2019January 30, 2019

Maintaining a Social Life Sometimes Involves Creative Thinking

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

Without coming across like a total diva, I have to ask the Universe a simple question: Is it too much for a girl to get a personal assistant around ... Read more

January 31, 2019February 6, 2019

A Perspective from an SMA Father

Columns, Refined By Fire - a Column by Ryan Berhar

Third in a series. Read parts one and two. In the following interview, I’ll explore how SMA impacts the way people perceive me, as well as share valuable advice for ... Read more

January 30, 2019January 28, 2019

Our Family Photo Album Sparks Memories of SMA Challenges

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

It was time to take down the Christmas decorations. Every room was filled with boxes and coffee tables were covered with trinkets. We were working in the living room, ... Read more

January 29, 2019January 31, 2019

The Ups and Downs of ‘The Upside’

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

Even before its theatrical release, the new film “The Upside” garnered its fair share of criticism from a number of disability activists on social media. Its main controversy stems ... Read more

January 28, 2019January 24, 2019

My Journey Toward Greater Independence

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

A few weeks ago, a friend told me I had to see “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” It was everything I loved, with amazing graphics, she said, so I couldn’t ... Read more

January 25, 2019February 4, 2019

Reflections After My 10th Spinraza Injection

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

“Are you comfortable, Alyssa?” my surgeon asked while gently leaning over me as I lay on my left side. My quick-witted response assured her there was nothing comforting about ... Read more

January 24, 2019February 4, 2019

My Aunt’s Advice for Optimal Self-care

Columns, Refined By Fire - a Column by Ryan Berhar

Second in a series. Read part one.  This week, I sought advice from my aunt, Heidi McLaughlin, because she is a thoughtful, wise person. Like me, she is a ... Read more

January 23, 2019January 22, 2019

Pitching In When a Family Member Is Out of Commission

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

It takes a family to navigate SMA. All five of us play a role in helping the household run smoothly. Mostly, however, the final responsibility lies with the parents. ... Read more

January 22, 2019January 24, 2019

On Being a Hot Person in a Wheelchair

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

Across social media platforms right now, there’s a trend where people post pictures of themselves from 10 years ago next to current ones. The idea is to see how ... Read more

January 21, 2019February 4, 2019

With the New Year Comes Home Renovation

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

I’ve mentioned a couple of times that I don’t think I could live in the middle of nowhere. My parents want nothing more than to raise a few goats ... Read more