Hope Will Guide the Way
The other day I found myself daydreaming on the way home from yet another hospital appointment. The monotony of the ride was all too familiar to me. This time, however, my spirit felt a little more…
Life, One Cup at a Time
— Alyssa Silva
Alyssa Silva is a writer based out of Providence, Rhode Island. She was diagnosed with SMA type 1 in 1991 when she was just 5 months old. Aside from writing, Alyssa is the chief creative officer for an intimates brand and runs a small business selling her artwork. In her free time, you can find her canceling plans to hang out with her golden retrievers, watching reruns of “The Office,” and convincing others why Taylor Swift is the greatest of all time.
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Why is listening to my body when I’m ill so hard to do?
“No, I’m totally fine” are often my famous last words when I’m actually not fine at all. Sometimes when an illness arises, I’ll downplay my symptoms. I’ll chalk them up to having a bad day while disregarding my…
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The Never-ending Quest to Gain Weight
Although Mother Nature seems to have other plans lately, the days crossed off our calendars have us inching closer and closer to summer. Ah, yes, summertime, when the weather is fine and everyone feels extra self-conscious about…
For My Best Friend, My Brother
On April 10, social media exploded with pictures and posts pinned with #NationalSiblingsDay. Using it, people shared sweet or comical words about their siblings and what they mean to them. I, too, was among the millions…
3 Simple Techniques that Nurture Your Emotional Well-being
While taking care of ourselves physically is always the number one priority, it is also mindful to nurture our emotional well-being in the same regard. Living with SMA means enduring added obstacles and challenges that can, at…
What a New Season Means to Me
If you’re anything like me, then you are just as excited about the turn of the season that happened a few days ago. It is officially spring, here in the Northern Hemisphere of the world. Pretty soon,…
SMA: A World of Firsts
“Well, Alyssa, I’ve certainly experienced many firsts thanks to you,” my mother said as a nurse untied the surgical gown from her back. I’m sure we all have our fair share of firsts when it comes to…
Let the Light Shine In: The Best Advice a Doctor Could Give Me
Some of my biggest lessons have come from my toughest messes. To me, that’s the best way to grow. It’s the best way to move forward and come to terms with the challenges and obstacles people with…
Childhood Essays and Wishes that Become Reality
For the Silva family, cleaning out the basement in recent weeks has become a trip down memory lane. Pictures strewn in boxes tell stories of my childhood and how my parents did everything in their power to…
How My Occupational Therapist Changed My Life
As a child, during the summer months, the neighborhood kids and I spent our days on the corner of my yard selling lemonade to passersby. My mother would help us prepare the drinks, she’d supply the…
My Diagnosis Day
My parents say it was another beautiful, sunny Saturday in April. They had two perfect children, a boy and a girl, like they had always wanted, and they couldn’t wait to finally start a family together. However,…
My First Mistake of 2018
Coming to you, live from my couch and in yesterday’s clothes, this column is all about how I made a mistake. Truth be told, I’m not happy about admitting it. But with these words and with these…
The Christmas Tree in the Bay Window
Growing up, there was a big bay window in the house where I lived. It overlooked the front yard and gave a great view of the surrounding houses and outside world. The sunlight shone through it, making…
