Persevering with SMA through faith and dimpled smiles

At 2 and a half years old, Andrew Cherico was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type 3. (Photos courtesy of Andrew Cherico)

This is Andrew Cherico’s story:

Hello! I am 19 years old and from New York City. SMA has affected my life in ways I never imagined, whether it be positively or negatively, but I never lost faith and I certainly never lost my smile.

Around age 2, my parents observed that I frequently fell while trying to stand or walk. At 2 and a half years old, I was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type 3.

On my first day of kindergarten, I already felt out of place. I couldn’t run as fast as other kids or throw as far, and so was excluded from games and practically outcast at recess, everyone’s favorite period but definitely not mine. I made friends from time to time who included me in games, and that kept me smiling.

A smiling Cherico at age 3 and a half, visiting a waterpark.

Growing up without the amazing SMA treatments available today, my SMA worsened. I became nonambulatory at age 9, and my self-esteem was at its lowest. Every smile had some pain behind it. Through many years of surgeries, I was ashamed of my disability, and a part of me truly hated my wheelchair.

In eighth grade, I was speaking with my middle school counselor about high school and the big steps required to be successful there. At home that day, I realized that my disability is never going to change, and I needed to embrace it. That’s exactly what I did: Instead of separating myself from my wheelchair, I allowed it to become a part of me.

This realization opened more doors than I could’ve ever imagined. I went to high school with newfound confidence. My socialization skills improved, my grades dramatically increased and, overall, I was happy with myself. Every time I smiled, there was no self-hatred — and that was new, but it always felt great.

At his high school graduation, the then 17-year-old class salutatorian was definitely smiling.

I graduated as class salutatorian. I’ve experienced many amazing opportunities, such as being a member of the National Honor Society and advocating for disability funding at the capitol building in New York, meeting celebrities and people who inspired me. I recently moved to Orlando to attend the University of Central Florida, where I am a sophomore majoring in sports journalism in the hope of becoming a broadcaster/analyst.

Reflecting on my life, I have experienced more ups and downs than the average person. But one thing is certain — my smile never left, and my dimple always appeared.

Cherico with his parents, Peter and Aracelis Cherico, at the CURE SMA 2023 conference.

In recognition of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month in August, the SMA Community Spotlight campaign features a series of stories highlighting the real-life experiences of people affected by SMA, written in their own words. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more stories like this, using the hashtag #SMASpotlight, or read the full series.