I’d like to preface this piece by giving a shout out to one of our very own columnists, Brianna Albers. Brianna shared her experience with Amtrak on SMA News Today last year and was incredibly kind in answering all of my questions and easing my…
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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The other day, I got my wheelchair stuck in a doorway. All I wanted to do was see the Christmas decorations at a local coffee shop. Perhaps even enjoy a nice cup of their matcha while quietly watching everything sparkle. Instead, I was wedged in the doorway, pushing my joystick…
I’m going to state the obvious: The list of things this disease prevents me from doing is a long one. So, when I have to rely on others, patience has become an imperative virtue. If I need an itch scratched, I wait for someone to drop what they’re…
On this day five years ago, I graduated from college. I realize I’m only 27, but writing that makes me feel a little extra old. I could’ve sworn it wasn’t too long ago that I was cramming into the early hours of the morning, wishing on a day…
I’ve used this space to share little snippets about the nonprofit organization I founded 18 years ago. I’ve shared who was my inspiration behind this foundation and how it all began with one little lemonade stand. Today, I’ll talk about what this organization stands for, and the…
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 crushed than usual and my energy lower. If the walls of…
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 their “summer bods.” Achieving that “perfect” beach body is at the…
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 of posts shared. However, it was difficult for me to condense…
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 times, become overwhelming, and so it’s important to take the time…
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, cherry blossoms will begin to bloom again, the sun will grace…
“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 living with a disease in which the unexpected becomes the expected.
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 SMA face on a daily basis. However, being able to learn…
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 give me a “normal” childhood. Old textbooks remind of all the…
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