Throughout August, SMA News Today is recognizing Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month with a multimedia celebration featuring a collection of written essays and video interviews from SMA patients and caregivers. These stories highlight some of the unique challenges of living with SMA, including a diverse range of topics: relationships, parenthood, careers, advocacy work, and more. Follow along with the series here with new content published Wednesdays and Fridays, or visit us on Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #FacesofSMA.
Jose Flores is a motivational speaker and author from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He shares his life with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 3 on his website joseinspires.com. Navigating a romantic relationship when one partner has…
Kyla Pollock describes the joy, strength, and beauty she's found in being married to Collin, who has SMA type 3, these past 18 years.
Hugo Trevino is a disability advocate and academic adviser from Chicago. He has spinal muscular atrophy type 3 and helps disabled students find success. Having a disability means I cannot do things on my own and it sucks because…
Carli Hamilton, who has SMA type 2 was terrified when she found out she was pregnant. But today she shares about the delight she's found in being a parent to her daughter, B.
Ty Dykema is an artist, musician, and punk rock connoisseur from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 2. Dykema and his friend Kevin Schaefer attend the Cure SMA Annual SMA Conference. Community is the…
Kristen Resendez reflects on what it's been like to be the mother of 9-year-old Jack, who has SMA type 1, and what she's learned along the way.
Zack and Zarek Elizondo are brothers born three years apart. They live in San Benito, Texas, where they make music and produce social media content together. Zarek has spinal muscular atrophy type 2 as did our late…
Gabrielle Runyon, who has SMA type 2, encourages others with SMA to practice self-advocacy by sharing about her experiences from navigating university life.
For Connie Chandler, who lives with SMA type 2, advocating for herself is necessary, but advocating for others and speaking up for them is what she would rather be doing.
LaMondre Pough, who has SMA type 2, shares a shift in perception that can empower people with disabilities who are entering the workforce. His message? You bring value.
August is SMA Awareness Month, and members of the SMA community are coming together to improve disease knowledge, patient advocacy, and research funding.
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