Author Archives: Bionews Staff

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of our dear friend and longtime contributor, DeAnn Runge. DeAnn had many roles at Bionews, the parent company of SMA News Today. She was a forum moderator, spinal muscular…

Jose Flores is a motivational speaker and author from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He shares his life with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 3 on his website joseinspires.com.  Navigating a romantic relationship when one partner has SMA is a journey marked by unique challenges and profound…

Hugo Trevino is a disability advocate and academic adviser from Chicago. He has spinal muscular atrophy type 3 and helps disabled students find success. Having a disability means I cannot do things on my own and it sucks because I need to ask for help with almost everything. As…

Ty Dykema is an artist, musician, and punk rock connoisseur from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 2. Dykema and his friend Kevin Schaefer attend the Cure SMA Annual SMA Conference. Community is the one great and gentle unifying force…

Zack and Zarek Elizondo are brothers born three years apart. They live in San Benito, Texas, where they make music and produce social media content together. Zarek has spinal muscular atrophy type 2 as did our late sister, Zarinna, who passed away in 2017. She was 18…

Connie Chandler is a social media manager and writer from Fort Wayne, Indiana. She has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 2 and works alongside her brother for the nonprofit We Carry Kevan. As an adult who has grown up with SMA, I’ve learned the necessity of being my own…

Candis Welch. (Photos courtesy of Candis Welch) This is Candis Welch’s story: Becoming Ms. Wheelchair California 2023 has given me a newfound pride in my life as a disabled woman. However, I have lived with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) for decades, and…

Beach time is fun time. For Brady, center, to partake in the fun, both his brother, Lucas, left, and father, Kevin, help push and pull his customized beach chair. (Photos courtesy of Kevin Chan) This is Kevin Chan’s story: “It is not fair!” These…

Jasmine Ramos embraces life with SMA. (Photos courtesy of Jasmine Ramos) This is Jasmine Ramos’ story: I was born in New York City on Aug. 10, 1995. I lived in the Bronx with my parents and two older sisters until I was 2. We…

Ira Walker enjoys an afternoon at Florida’s South Beach. (Photos courtesy of Ira Walker) This is Ira Walker’s story: Throughout 38 years of life, I’ve traveled, met extraordinary individuals, seen more than 20 operas, been the recipient of great guidance, and occasionally received peculiar…