SMA Medications Are Awesome, But They’re Not Accessible
When I was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) at 11 months old, there was no cure or treatment. Vitamins, physical therapy, and respiratory exercises were used in the hope of…
The Mermaid Chronic(les)
— Kala Godin
Kala is a 22-year-old woman living in Alberta, Canada. She was diagnosed with SMA Type II at 11 months old. She is a columnist, author, and editor. In her weekly column, “The Mermaid Chronic(les),” she discusses life with SMA: from her daily life to the expectation of others. No matter the topic, she tries to keep things silly and sarcastic.
Featured Post
Common New Year’s Resolutions Don’t Apply to Me
Let’s talk about New Year’s resolutions. For the most part, I already live the way I want to and don’t feel the need to set any new goals, so I end up…
Read more
My Vulnerability Isn’t the Result of a Spiritual Awakening
“You’re so vulnerable! How are you OK with that? It’s such an open way to live life. It’s beautiful.” Oh boy. Firstly, this is a weird thing…
Just Add Magic: Writing Disabled Characters in Fiction
I’m a writer. I recently finished the first draft of a 47,000-word novel by hand because I can still write manually — and if you don’t…
School, Careers, and Success in Life, Part 2
Second in a series. Read part one. No one really expected me to have a job. My advisors in high school didn’t like my career choice. I…
School, Careers, and Success in Life, Part 1
First in a series. School can be a special kind of hell when you’re the awkward kid in a wheelchair. You attend normal classes, but you don’t look…
Unconventional Relief for My Chronic Migraines
The A in SMA stands for “atrophy.” Atrophy means “to waste away.” My muscles are wasting away, and that can cause a lot of other problems. Scoliosis? Check.
Letting Go and Making Sacrifices for My Health
In January, I self-published my debut collection of poetry titled “Witchcraft and Monsters.” In case you think that being an author is a “very chill job” (many believe it is not…
The Trials and Tribulations of Leaving My House
Recently, I had a full day of appointments in the city. It takes two and a half hours to travel there, and leaving my house for that long is a challenge.
Witchcraft and Whimsy
Wicca kind of fell into my lap when I was about 12. Or maybe I fell into its lap. Who really knows with these things? I’ve always been…
Adapting to Change Creatively
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) can cause a lot of things, including muscle weakness, fatigue, and pain. It’s different for everyone. It also changes. One of the best side effects of my life with…
Finding a Perfect Parking Spot: It’s Complicated
We’ve all had some cruddy parking experiences. But when you have a disability, it’s usually a little more complicated. The difficulties typically occur due to other people parking. Sometimes, the problem is the…
SMA and Body Modifications: It’s My Choice
People often assume that disability prevents someone from being physically able to express themselves. Especially in the form of body modifications. They would be wrong. One of my favorite forms of artistic expression is…
