Last month, the biotechnology company Scholar Rock submitted an application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requesting approval of an experimental add-on therapy to treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The investigational drug…
Read more
One of the most dreadful, ongoing battles I’ve experienced with my doctors in recent years is my inability to gain weight. At every appointment, during every procedure, and with every hospital stay…
As I get set up to type this column, the rain is steadily falling from the window behind my couch. The house is quiet and the coffee is still warm. It is…
Allow me to begin this column by traveling back in time to the days of middle school mathematics. Now, my memory may not serve me as well as it did during my…
I always struggle with mental health at this time of year. Winter has that effect on me. Each year, I tell myself things will be different, so I map out a game…
Recently, one of our columnists, Kevin Schaefer, took to the SMA forums to discuss his experiences with hiring new caregivers. His portrayal of what these experiences entail certainly resonated with me,…
Without coming across like a total diva, I have to ask the Universe a simple question: Is it too much for a girl to get a personal assistant around here? And I’m…
“Are you comfortable, Alyssa?” my surgeon asked while gently leaning over me as I lay on my left side. My quick-witted response assured her there was nothing comforting about a needle in…
Hello. My name is Alyssa Silva, and on Jan. 7, I failed my vertigo test. Again. For the sixth or seventh time. Here’s a little useless fact about me: I’m a terrible…
Last week, I explained why I’m ditching the “new year, new you” mantra. Today, I’m keeping the conversation going by discussing my alternative to New Year’s resolutions. I’ve never been the…
Since we’re in the season of embracing a new year and all the possibilities that come along with it, I thought it would be a great time to bring this up. For…
The final countdown is on, my friends. It won’t be long before Discovery Channel airs an hour-long special about the girl in the wheelchair who emerges into her dark, isolated den to…
While catching up with a friend recently, I stumbled upon the next topic for this column. It was simple, really. There was no aha moment or life-changing revelation in the conversations we…
Get regular updates to your inbox.
