Embracing My Inner Alien – a column by Kevin Schaefer

February 19, 2019February 15, 2019

Dear Parents: Let Your Kid with SMA Dream Big

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

To any parent who has a child with SMA: Recently, I had a conversation with my caregiver Randy about our goals for the future. We talked about career goals, ... Read more

February 12, 2019February 14, 2019

A Different Kind of Valentine’s Day

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

Full disclosure: I think Leif Erikson Day is far more legitimate than Valentine’s Day. Even though its popularity stems from the fictional universe of “SpongeBob SquarePants,” at least its ... Read more

February 5, 2019February 1, 2019

Acquiring More Independence Is Exhausting, but Worth It

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

If someone asks me to speak in front of hundreds of people, I say “no problem.” Stick a needle in my neck for a Spinraza injection, and it’s no ... 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 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 15, 2019January 21, 2019

How a New Federal Law Could Make Flying Easier for People with Disabilities

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

“Well, I certainly hope this little incident hasn’t put you off flying, miss,” says Christopher Reeve in the 1978 “Superman” film. “Statistically speaking, of course, it’s still the safest ... Read more

January 8, 2019January 11, 2019

The Cruelty and Complexity of SMA

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

In season five of the FX series “Sons of Anarchy,” main character Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam) watches his best friend Opie (Ryan Hurst) die in a prison fight. It’s ... Read more

December 18, 2018December 17, 2018

Reflections on My Post-college Life

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

Two years ago, I had just graduated from college and I found myself filled with uncertainty about my future. As a physically disabled 23-year-old on Social Security with an ... Read more

December 11, 2018January 3, 2019

Therapy Developments, Gratitude, and Patience

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

A few days ago, I met with an occupational therapist to evaluate the effects of my Spinraza (nusinersen) treatments. So far, I have had six injections of this therapy, and ... Read more

December 4, 2018November 30, 2018

Relying On My Parents More During the Holidays

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

The holidays are when I spend time with family and friends, put off Christmas shopping until the last minute, and relentlessly make fun of Hallmark movies. While it’s true ... Read more