Posts by: Alyssa Silva

If I had to choose the top three places I frequented prior to the pandemic, they would be the local coffee shop, Target, and Boston Children’s Hospital. Thankfully, I mostly ... Read more

May 28, 2021May 28, 2021

Navigating the Past Year Without Caregivers Has Been Challenging

COVID-19 Columns, SMA News Today Columns

I’ll never forget March of last year when the pandemic began. Many of us didn’t realize how serious it was, and we didn’t know what to expect, how to handle ... Read more

May 14, 2021May 14, 2021

I’m Remembering to Prioritize My Mental Health

SMA News Today Columns

During the height of the pandemic last year, a steady influx of people often reached out to me to check on my health. It was quite admirable. Friends, family members, ... Read more

April 30, 2021April 30, 2021

Reflecting on My Diagnosis Day, 30 Years Later

SMA News Today Columns

Last week marked 30 years since my diagnosis day. So many emotions resurfaced as I reflected on the past three decades and all that has happened in terms of medical ... Read more

April 16, 2021April 16, 2021

Why My Teacher and I Faked My Detention in Middle School

SMA News Today Columns

Growing up, I was a fairly well-behaved student. I did my homework. I paid attention during class. I always raised my wand (my way of raising my hand since I ... Read more

March 26, 2021March 26, 2021

A Sibling’s Perspective on Life With SMA

SMA News Today Columns

On April 10, the United States will celebrate Siblings Day, a day to honor and appreciate the bond we share with our siblings. I happen to have the best one ... Read more

February 26, 2021February 26, 2021

My Unsolved Symptoms Add Flair to My Rare

SMA News Today Columns

These days, I’ve been soaking up all the true crime content I can set my eyes and ears on. Documentaries, podcasts, “Dateline” episodes that I now look forward to every ... Read more

February 12, 2021February 12, 2021

My Hopes and Fears Resurface When Others Start SMA Treatment

SMA News Today Columns

Recently, in the SMA News Today Forums, a handful of members shared that they were embarking on new treatment journeys with both Spinraza (nusinersen) and Evrysdi (risdiplam). Reading such posts ... Read more

January 29, 2021January 29, 2021

What Being Homebound for a Year Really Feels Like

SMA News Today Columns

The day after Christmas marked one year since I began this whole self-quarantine thing. And the most unnerving part about it is that I have yet to receive my trophy ... Read more

January 15, 2021January 15, 2021

What I’ve Learned From Sharing Stories About My Life With SMA

SMA News Today Columns

January marks the eighth anniversary of when my blog came to life. I was never much of a writer prior to launching my blog. In fact, when I announced that ... Read more

December 18, 2020December 18, 2020

Stepping Into a New Me in the Year Ahead

COVID-19 Columns, SMA News Today Columns

In the midst of decking the halls and savoring all that’s merry and bright, December also serves as a season of reflection for me. It’s my chance to look back ... Read more

December 4, 2020December 4, 2020

Starting a Small Business With SMA

SMA News Today Columns

In October, I fulfilled a childhood dream of mine by finally opening an online art shop. For years, friends and family encouraged me to do this. While I’m no Rembrandt, ... Read more

November 13, 2020November 13, 2020

Life With SMA Can Feel Like an Anomaly

SMA News Today Columns

Recently, my little hometown in New England experienced one of Mother Nature’s many shenanigans: a decent-sized snowstorm in October, or “Snowtober.” This isn’t the type of climate we are conditioned ... Read more

October 16, 2020October 16, 2020

Learning to Celebrate Life in New Ways

SMA News Today Columns

I’m still trying to wrap my head around this one: I will be turning 30 at the end of the month. To keep my columns professional, I used a period ... Read more

October 2, 2020October 2, 2020

Small Joys Are Bigger Than They Appear

COVID-19 Columns, SMA News Today Columns

“So, what’s your silver lining?” a friend asked me one night in late spring. My parents and I had recently decided to go forth and allow outdoor visits again, as ... Read more