Posts by: Alyssa Silva

As I was leaving a doctor appointment a few months ago, I reached my breaking point. In fairness, it was long overdue. For weeks, I could feel the tension bubbling ... Read more

September 24, 2021September 24, 2021

Glam for the Scan: How One Outfit Changed Everything

SMA News Today Columns

While I can’t speak on behalf of every medical professional I’ve come across in my lifetime (truth be told, that’d be quite a large number), I wouldn’t be surprised if ... Read more

September 10, 2021September 10, 2021

Why I Welcome Children’s Curiosity About My Disability

SMA News Today Columns

A few years ago, I wrote about the need for more understanding and awareness about disability. No matter how many years have passed or how much has changed, I’ve always felt ... Read more

August 27, 2021August 27, 2021

The Challenges of Making Friends as an Adult With SMA

SMA News Today Columns

Making friends as an adult is hard. At least, it always has been for me. After all, I’m an introvert. I like keeping to myself. But friendships are important to ... Read more

August 13, 2021August 13, 2021

Multigenerational Living: Why My Unorthodox Living Situation Works

SMA News Today Columns

Ed. note: This column was written in collaboration with fellow columnist Halsey Blocher for SMA Awareness Month. Read about her experiences with multigenerational living and how the two stories intersect ... Read more

July 30, 2021July 30, 2021

Why Participating in Research Studies Is Important to Me

SMA News Today Columns

For as long as I can remember, I have participated in the SMA community in some way. Whether it was opening a lemonade stand as a little girl, participating in ... Read more

July 16, 2021July 16, 2021

Why My Journey With Disability Pride Isn’t Linear

SMA News Today Columns

Even though I’ve been disabled all my life, I had never heard of Disability Pride Month until I scrolled past someone’s Instagram post last July. I guess that’s the beauty ... Read more

June 25, 2021June 25, 2021

Actually, My Disease Does Define Me

SMA News Today Columns

Recently, someone I know commented, “Alyssa doesn’t let her disease define her.” I absolutely understood where they were coming from. After all, I have always been determined. I have always ... Read more

June 11, 2021June 11, 2021

Thanks to SMA, I’ve Acquired a Wealth of Medical Knowledge

SMA News Today Columns

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