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SMAshing My Limits


Celebrate every accomplishment — no matter how big or small — with our community and push beyond the limits of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) every day.

 
Charlie Z., SMA Patient Advocate, SMA Type 3

Life With SMA

Individuals of all ages are affected by SMA, and each day brings with it new challenges. While no two people are the same, many living with SMA or caring for someone with this disease share similar challenges, including:

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Physical limitations

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Logistical barriers

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Emotional health

Every moment spent overcoming these challenges — and more — are moments worth celebrating

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Whether it’s meeting a major milestone, making a new memory, or overcoming one of your previous limitations, your accomplishments can inspire others. 

 

It’s time to celebrate how you SMAsh your limits!

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SMA Patient Advocate sitting in a powered wheelchair

“My journey with SMA helped me find my passion for filmmaking. Being in a wheelchair doesn’t stop me from chasing big dreams or telling powerful stories. Every day, I push past what society expects, challenge stereotypes, and prove that I can tell powerful stories, and inspire change – if not more.”

– Siara M., SMA Patient Advocate, SMA Type 3
 

SMA Patient Advocate in wheelchair wearing a racing bib and celebrating with a thumbs up

“You’ve already won because you’re here today. That’s what I tell myself whenever I lose confidence or feel like I’m falling behind. Just reaching this age with SMA took countless miracles—so every second I’m alive is a privilege. When you’re feeling down or tired of pushing for a better life, remember: you already won.”

— Januel G., SMA Patient Advocate, SMA Type 2
 

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Navigating Your SMA Journey

Explore resources to help you throughout your SMA journey, including tips on how to handle difficult conversations, management options, and access support so you can SMAsh limits. 

 

Downloadable Tools for SMAshing Your Limits

Explaining SMA to others and advocating for yourself can be tough. Our downloadable resources can help you share your experience and give you tips for managing day-to-day obstacles.

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Making the Move to Adulthood

Download Resource
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How to Explain SMA to Others

Download Resource
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Prompts to SMAsh Your Limits

Download Resource

Managing Your SMA

Learning how to get support for symptoms ↗ - now and as they evolve - can help empower people living with SMA to overcome obstacles and reach their goals. 

Content is not intended to serve as medical advice or to substitute for professional medical consultation. 

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Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help improve posture, keep joints limber, and slow the progression of muscle weakness.1

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Occupational Therapy
Working with an occupational therapist can improve the ability to perform daily tasks.1

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Assistive Devices
Tools like orthopedic braces, crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs can help with mobility.1 Learn more ↗ from Cure SMA about helpful equipment.

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Speech Therapy
Speech therapy can potentially improve difficulties with speaking and swallowing.1

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Nutrition
Maintaining proper nutrition is important for people living with SMA. Talk to your doctor about a nutrition plan that works best for you to potentially help with improved growth and more. Learn more ↗ from MDA about managing nutrition. 

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Additional Medical Interventions
Using a feeding tube can help provide nutrients if swallowing is too difficult or dangerous, and ventilation devices can provide support for breathing issues.1

Disease-Modifying Therapy Management Approaches

SMA is caused by SMN1 mutations, causing progressive motor neuron loss.2 The SMN1 gene is responsible for producing the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, which is needed to sustain muscle function.

In most cases, the earlier individuals with SMA receive treatment, the more likely they may see benefits and outcomes.

Learn How to Manage Your Journey

Building a treatment goal that works for you or the individual with SMA you care for is an important part of breaking barriers. Explore additional resources that can give you the information you need to chart your own course with SMA or to help someone you care for navigate their SMA journey.

Content is not intended to serve as medical advice or to substitute for professional medical consultation.

SMA Treatment OverviewMedical Management Info

Community Support

Keep SMAshing your limits with these helpful resources, which are designed to support individuals living with SMA and their support systems.

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Cure SMA

Cure SMA is dedicated to driving research for treatments and a cure for SMA, and to supporting and empowering everyone impacted by SMA today.

Learn more
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Muscular Dystrophy Association

MDA provides educational resources and support for people living with SMA, their caregivers, and their communities.

Learn more

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You'll get inspiring stories of how others are navigating their SMA journey, as well as helpful resources that can support you.

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References: 1. Cleveland Clinic. Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Accessed March 25, 2025.  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14505-spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma#management-and-treatment ↗ 2. Younger D, Mendell J. Handbook of Clinical Neurology. Chapter 2 – Childhood Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Science Direct. Published August 22, 2023. Accessed April 2, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-98817-9.00030-2 ↗
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