In episode 156, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Maylan Chavez and Sory Rivera, two friends with SMA who host the “Access Granted” podcast together. Maylan is from Hialeah, Florida, and Sory is from Tyler, Texas. They talk about the evolution of their friendship, forming connections with others in the SMA community, and empowering others with disabilities through storytelling.
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To take part in our ongoing discussions regarding SMA, please visit www.smanewstoday.com/forums

In episode 155, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Jasmine Jackson from Vancouver, Washington. Jasmine is a development and marketing manager, digital creator, and also a mother living with SMA type II. She talks about growing up with SMA, her journey toward motherhood, connecting with the SMA community, and becoming an advocate for other disabled parents.
Jasmine’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my_wheellife/
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To take part in our ongoing discussions regarding SMA, please visit www.smanewstoday.com/forums

In episode 154, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Coach Damon Vincent from Lafayette, Louisiana. Damon is an adaptive fitness specialist who works with clients with various rare diseases and disabilities, including SMA. He talks about his journey as a personal trainer, living with his own rare disease, and building a community with others in his field.
Damon’s website: https://fitnessforspecialneeds.com/
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To take part in our ongoing discussions regarding SMA, please visit www.smanewstoday.com/forums

In episode 153, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Annie Heathcote from Mazomanie, Wisconsin. Annie is a multi-business owner, social media influencer, author, and lifelong disability advocate whose life and work embody the belief that disability doesn’t mean inability. Diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) at just 13 months and in a wheelchair by age 2, she has dedicated her life to breaking barriers, championing accessibility, and inspiring others with her message of resilience and faith.
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To take part in our ongoing discussions regarding SMA, please visit www.smanewstoday.com/forums

In episode 152, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Kamil Goungor from Athens, Greece. Kamil, who has SMA type II, works for the European Network on Independent Living and is the co-founder and chair of the Greek independent living organization, i-living. In this episode, Kamil shares his experiences growing up with SMA, pursuing education and career opportunities, and advocating for the disabled community.

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To take part in our ongoing discussions regarding SMA, please visit www.smanewstoday.com/forums

In episode 151, host Kevin Schaefer talks with his colleague, Anton Paras. Anton is a marketing executive for Bionews Inc., the publisher of SMA News Today, and he lives in the Bay Area, California. Recently, Anton went with Kevin to Anaheim, California, for part of the annual Cure SMA conference. There, they worked on a video about theme park accessibility and interviewed multiple people in the SMA community. During this conversation, Anton reflects on this experience, shares his perspective on engaging with rare disease communities, and offers insight into what others in the digital health space can do to better support patients and caregivers.
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To take part in our ongoing discussions regarding SMA, please visit http://www.smanewstoday.com/forums

In episode 150, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Jenna and Tanya Vega from Palm Springs, California. Jenna and Tanya discuss their seven years together, navigating daily life with SMA, and their wedding last year. They also share tips and advice for other couples in the SMA community.

In episode 149, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Dr. Jessica Keogh from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. An educator, disability advocate, and certified life coach, she discusses growing up with SMA, living independently, navigating relationships, and becoming an advocate.
Jessica’s website: https://www.faithabovemyability.org/

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To take part in our ongoing discussions regarding SMA, please visit www.smanewstoday.com/forums

In episode 148, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Ashley Fox and Madeline Engel from California. Ashley has SMA, and Madeline became her best friend and caregiver when they were in college. They discuss the nuances of friendship and caregiving, plus touch on confronting internalized ableism and navigating graduate school and careers.
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To take part in our ongoing discussions regarding SMA, please visit www.smanewstoday.com/forums

In episode 147, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Brandi Lewis from Birmingham, Alabama. Brandi is a blood disorder awareness educator, TEDx speaker, writer, and nonprofit founder. She is passionate about helping others diagnosed with a chronic illness. She was diagnosed with aplastic anemia and PNH, the symptoms of which began in 2009. Her nonprofit, Brandi’s Blessings, was created to spread awareness and support blood disorder patients. Her greatest accomplishment is saving three lives by having people register to become bone marrow donors. Brandi is a dog lover of a labradoodle, Milo, and thinks laughter is the best medicine. Follow Brandi on Instagram at @_brandilewis_!
Brandi’s website: www.brandilewis.com

Brandi’s column: https://pnhnews.com/category/columns/from-fear-to-fighter-a-column-by-brandi-lewis/