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Day 23 of #31DaysofSMA: Valuable Lessons From a Self-advocate
In 1968, Steve Mikita was 12 years old and had severe scoliosis. He underwent spinal fusion. Although Steve eventually became an attorney, he learned more about advocacy from his mother than he ever learned during his 39 years as an assistant attorney general.
Steve’s mother reminded him that he was not the only patient and that he had to articulate his needs and concerns succinctly and persuasively. These lessons have remained with Steve for more than 50 years.
“Believe in yourself and in your ability to explain to others what you need and what will make you feel safe and understood.”
Steve, what your mother taught you is a life lesson to us all, thanks for sharing your story with us!
Now back to our SMA community, with doctors, do you find it easy to speak up for your own needs and concerns?
Click here to read the rest of Steve’s story and find out more about his life with SMA.
SMA News Today’s 31 Days of SMA campaign will publish one story per day for SMA Awareness Month in August. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more stories like this, using the hashtag #31DaysofSMA, or read the full series.
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