How do you combat feeling low? What lifts you back up on those hard days? -Jennifer Moderator...Reactions0reactionsComments0 replies
The Bully In My Mind...For me, personally, the smallest things are the scariest. I know that you just have to do it, as they say, but I guess the not knowing is the worst...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Let’s Talk About Mental Health...May is Mental Health Month, sponsored by the Mental Health Association, and it is a perfect time to pause, consider how we can improve our mental health, and support each...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Coping as a Young Adult With SMA...We asked a couple of our young Health Leaders, Kellie and Jennifer, about the transition from their teenage years to adulthood, how they are coping with responsibility for their own...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
Young Adults With SMA: How do you balance the need for independence with the need for care?...What are your tips for the transition from childhood/teen years to adulthood with SMA?...Reactions0reactionsComments0 repliesTips & Advice
Self Care Routine...Some days it can be really hard to take care of yourself, but on the easier days you might find yourself having a routine you like to stick to. What's...Reactions0reactionsComments1 repliesTips & AdviceMental Health
Mental Health Awareness Month: Guilt...Do you ever feel guilt about someone having to take care of you or being your caregiver? Tell us more about your experiences here....Reactions0reactionsComments1 repliesMental Health
An Open Letter To My Mom, My Caregiver...As Mother’s Day approaches, I find myself reflecting on all the things my mom has done for me since I was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Caring for someone...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
On Being Told To Live Independently...“You should learn to live independently. There’s a cerebral palsy patient that renovated her house and lives alone” “You should learn how to cook. At least fry some eggs. If...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Mental Health Check...May is mental health awareness month, a time to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness. How are you doing lately? How would you rate your mental...Reactions0reactionsComments0 repliesMental Health
Genetic Counseling...I was born in the 1970s and, while genetic counseling started in 1969, it wasn’t what it is today. There was no known history of any kind of muscular dystrophy...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Using Your Disability to Impact Lives...The beauty of sharing our stories lies not just in the telling, but also in the impact they can have on others. My recent journey to a different state for...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Finding Humor in the SMA-PCA Bond...Living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) feels like riding a rollercoaster of emotions, but having my lifeline, also known as my personal care assistant (PCA), adds some much-needed comedy and...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Personal Growth...Being born with a genetic disorder like spinal muscular atrophy forces us to adapt to a world that wasn’t built for disabled people. As a child, we experience this from...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Getting Back In the Pool After Surgery With SMA...Having spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) means relying on a powered wheelchair for mobility. While my wheelchairs and assistive gear offer a sense of freedom, nothing beats the sheer delight of...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Art and SMA...12 artworks in 7 months. In Nelson Mandela's words, “It always seems impossible until it’s done”. Who would’ve thought I managed to paint these? I make art for a living...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Pros and Cons of Owning an Accessible Van...I feel as though having a disability is a constant balancing act of freedom and cost. Owning an accessible van can be a ticket to freedom for many with mobility...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
Why Are Car Repairs So Expensive?...Maintaining a reliable vehicle is vital for individuals living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) to maintain their independence and overall well-being. Unfortunately, vehicle repairs can often be a financial burden...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Social Media and Mental Health...Social media can be a game changing tool for anyone, especially people in the SMA and disabled communities. I've chatted about this before – it allows homebound individuals to make...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Getting Out Of My Head...I know that I am not alone in this feeling. We ‘SMAers’ are very observant wallflowers. Meaning that we see everything. For me, this has helped me to survive when...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments