Guest Voices

Guest Voice: Tempering expectations and keeping hope alive

For much of the time, the reality for those of us living with a chronic condition like SMA entails having something dangled in front of our faces, just out of reach — which isn’t challenging to do, considering our severe mobility limitations. Whether it’s treatments that seem to be…

Guest Voice: On loss, survivor’s guilt, and disability pride

Robin Collins is a self-described “little old lady.” She’s 4 feet tall in her wheelchair and unexpectedly hurtling toward age 70 while wearing functional, ladylike skirts. Robin has SMA type 3, which was diagnosed before she turned 10. Lately, she’s more vocal, writing down her thoughts and sharing…

Guest Voice: The joy of being able to grow up

Joanna Buoniconti is a writer and editor based in western Massachusetts. She was diagnosed with SMA type 2 in 2000 at 10 months old. Aside from writing, she has a book editing business and contributes a monthly column about disability advocacy to a local newspaper. In her free time,…

Guest Voice: Speaking out on behalf of the SMA community

Jeffrey Selby is a proud husband to his wife, Angie, whom he married in 2017. Together, they’ve built a life full of love and laughter. Jeff, a licensed real estate agent, has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 3. He spends his time supporting others with the disease.