Jennifer Greer

Some might think living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is all bad. That life is full of doom and gloom, but I am here to let you know it’s not...

Living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) Type 2 brings a unique set of challenges into my everyday life, but nothing has tested me quite like my current battle with kidney...

Throughout my childhood, dogs were a constant presence in my life. From Golden Retrievers to Yorkies and Chihuahuas, I was surrounded by faithful companions who brought immense joy and comfort...

From childhood onward, change has been a constant challenge for me. Every time I needed a new wheelchair or medical device, anxiety would grip me tight. It always felt like...

Recently, I began going to see a therapist for my depression and anxiety. I was diagnosed with major manic depressive disorder. This means when I’m down, I’m really down. Therapy...

Last year, I decided I wanted to begin the process of looking for a job. Up until this point, I’d never worked a steady job before in or outside of...

Two years ago, I was hit with some bewildering symptoms. A loud roaring noise invaded my left ear during a visit to my sister in Maryland over the summer. I...

If you live with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) of any type, then you know how difficult it can be to have medical procedures done. There’s a lot of logistics and...

During my school years, active participation in safety drills, including fire and tornado drills, was mandated. For the average able-bodied child, these drills seemed straightforward. When the alarm sounded, students...

I have anxiety about being surrounded by large groups or crowds of people. But when Taylor Swift announced her 1989 World Tour was coming to Maryland a few years ago...

On December 23, 2016, I celebrated my birthday, marking a momentous occasion: the FDA had approved Spinraza as the inaugural treatment for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). I recall lying in...

I am the youngest of my siblings at twenty nine years old. I have two step-brothers and one step-sister. Due to genetics, I am the only one in my family...

When I was in school, I had a personal aide who accompanied me every day and followed me through several grades. She knew all about me, my specific needs, and...

Around five years ago, I had a throbbing toothache. I had no idea what was wrong other than my face hurt and my tooth hurt. We had just moved to...

Having a disability like spinal muscular atrophy is extremely challenging. Every day is a battle between my body and my mind. Frankly, it can be brutal inside. And with that brutality...

I’ve been driving a power wheelchair since the age of two. My wheelchair has been a part of my life and a second part of my body since then. It...

Summer is finally here and I couldn’t be more excited for all the warm weather and thunderstorms to come. With summer here, I wanted to share some ways I spend...

When I was younger, I had a 90-degree curve in my spine due to scoliosis from spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). My torso hunched, and the curve was visible. Doctors always...

Living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) brings its own set of challenges. Some challenges are glaringly obvious. Others play out behind the scenes. Growing up, I didn’t really care much...