Living

As the holiday season rolls around, it’s time to find thoughtful gifts everyone will love. If you’re shopping for a teen or adult with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), finding the...

What has been the biggest obstacle that you have overcome with SMA? What was your greatest challenge and how did you get through it? Health Leader Samantha Przybylski writes: The...

Navigating the challenges associated with neurodegenerative conditions has always been an arduous journey, filled with ups and downs. Living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) feels akin to managing a full-time...

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...

The other day, I fell out of my wheelchair. It’s not the first time this has happened, but it was definitely the most memorable. I’ll admit, when I was younger...

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...

December is officially upon us! At the end of the year, I reflect upon it. Usually, my seasonal depression really affects me, and this year, I finally don't feel that...

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...

Usually, a situation like this would leave me in a very dark place. A few weeks ago, we were in a car accident, and I thank God every day that...

I know that, overall, finding gifts can be tough, especially finding things for someone who is disabled and has specific needs, like those that come with spinal muscular atrophy. Here...

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...

Let’s talk about financial independence. As you know from my first article here, financial freedom and independence are so hard. With Supplemental Security Income (SSI) limits, I can feel trapped...

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...

I remember this day well. The start of an unbelievable journey. Who would have thought I needed to wear a BiPAP? It has never come to my mind. I wore...

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...

Based on my friend Allie’s article about her morning routine, I thought I'd offer my nighttime routine. Here are some nightly tips and tricks that really help me. I would...