Wheels for Ella
Summer is here and in full force. Ice cream trucks, sprinklers, and lazy days abound. Bike riding also tops off the season. Ella can now join in a way that she couldn’t do before! Through the generosity…
Five Servings of Strength
— Michael Casten
Michael is married and a father of three, one being a child with SMA Type II (born in June, 2011). He is an educator who has worked directly with children and their families since 1994. He loves his family, writing, working with his hands, and taking road trips. Michael holds a bachelor’s in psychology (1994) and a master’s in education (2001).
Featured Post
Ella Has Fun While Sheltering at Home
Ella, 10, the youngest of our three children, is thriving. She has friends from school, in the neighborhood, and online. She sings in a community choir, and occasionally plays with her siblings. Due to Ella’s disease,…
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The Amino Acid Diet and Its Benefits
Nutrition has always been a challenge for my daughter, Ella. And, in turn, it is a challenge for my wife and me. Due to Ella’s disease, she has an increased amount of difficulty digesting long-chain…
I Am Encouraged by My Daughter’s Alone Time
Ella spends much of her day on the first floor. She races around from the living room, through the kitchen or front hallway, and into the family room, or vice versa. Sometimes the dogs chase…
Finding Support from Special Spaces
Several years ago, an organization known as “Special Spaces” contacted us because someone nominated us for their service. The organization performs a complete bedroom makeover for kids with cancer, heart conditions, tumors, and other…
A Message for Us
An envelope covered in hearts and addressed to “Mom and Dad.” This envelope was kept secret for days, but there were hints that it was coming. Ella worked on its contents for days,…
‘Family Perspectives’: A Reflection on the Interviews
Editor’s note: Columnist Michael Casten caps his “Family Perspectives” series exploring how different people who surround Ella tackle the diagnosis of her SMA. Read an introduction to the series here. Three generations of family. Six people,…
Family Perspectives: Ella Sings Her Own Song
Editor’s note: Columnist Michael Casten continues his “Family Perspectives” series exploring how different people who surround Ella tackle the diagnosis of her SMA. Read an introduction to the series here. What is SMA? “It’s a disease that makes…
Family Perspectives: Henry’s Wisdom
Editor’s note: Columnist Michael Casten continues his “Family Perspectives” series exploring how different people who surround Ella tackle the diagnosis of her SMA. Read an introduction to the series here. Henry’s the middle child and is 9 years…
Big Sister Chimes In
Editor’s note: Columnist Michael Casten continues his “Family Perspectives” series in which he explores how different people who surround Ella tackle the diagnosis of her SMA. Read an introduction to the series here. A smart little…
From the Heart of a Mother
Editor’s note: Columnist Michael Casten continues his “Family Perspectives” series in which he explores how different people who surround Ella tackle the diagnosis of her SMA. Read an introduction to the series here. Lindsay, Ella’s mom…
Grandma Challenges SMA
Editor’s note: Columnist Michael Casten continues his “Family Perspectives” series by interviewing Ella’s grandmother. In this series, Casten sets out to explore how different people who surround Ella tackle the diagnosis of her SMA. Read an introduction to…
A Hug for Grandpa
Editor’s note: Columnist Michael Casten begins his “Family Perspectives” series by interviewing Ella’s grandfather. In this series, Casten sets out to explore how different people who surround Ella tackle the diagnosis of her SMA. Read an…
