Columns

A few months ago, my brother came to my room to repeat what our mom had just instructed him to tell me. With a slightly sarcastic yet serious tone, he informed me that he could no longer refer to me as a wheelchair user, because one of his college textbooks…

Something you may not know about me is that I have a tendency to make a lot of impulsive decisions. Of course, when it comes to more complicated and serious matters that require tougher decisions to be made, I take my time and carefully examine the circumstances and craft well…

I enjoy writing for SMA News Today because it grants me a sense of freedom and independence. I basically have the ability to send out invitations for readers to visit the inner workings of my mind as someone with SMA. I have the freedom to select a column topic…

The topics in this column tie in somehow to the death of our baby Jeffrey, as that is our connection to SMA. I’d like this column to provide even a spark of hope to others finding themselves in devastating circumstances. Consequently, I’ve purposely tried to gravitate toward a sense of…

“The internet is a well of humanity if you dig past the surface of it.” Comedian, actor, and filmmaker Bo Burnham said this in 2019 during a writers panel hosted by The Hollywood Reporter. Burnham got his start making YouTube videos in the early 2000s, back when the concept…

My body tensed, rigid as the blue therapy mat beneath my body. The physical therapist cradled my right leg, directing me to push my foot against his hand with all the might I could muster from the sleepy depths of my hamstrings.  Face scrunched and fists clenched,…

Hear that? It’s the sound of writers across the world readying to drive ourselves crazy in November for National Novel Writing Month, aka NaNoWriMo. We’ve got our blankets, a mug of our chosen caffeinated beverage, and snacks, and will be devolving into decrepit hermits as we attempt to achieve…

It’s strange to think that a little over two years ago, I witnessed — and participated in — the conception of SMA My Way, a patient-focused community sponsored by the biotech company Genentech to support all of those affected by SMA. A lot has changed since then. I graduated…

Life after high school leaves us with plenty of paths to choose from in our pursuit of various goals. College and careers are a few of the many options to be considered. After exploring volunteer work and other activities at the local disability center, I began searching for…

Ever since I can remember, I’ve been taught that I am a soldier in this war against SMA. My destiny is to help others fight it, too. Early on, people gave me gifts to help me remember my purpose. One person, inspired by my fight against an overwhelming opponent, gave…