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Tufts researcher wins MDA grant to study SMA treatment access

The Tufts Medical Center, a teaching hospital of the Tufts University School of Medicine, has been awarded a Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) grant to investigate patient access to treatments for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and other diseases. The project, led by James Chambers, PhD, will evaluate access…

In life with SMA, I’ve learned to go with the flow

Life doesn’t always flow the way it’s supposed to, and by “flow,” I mean literally. I’ve recently been experiencing a lot of issues with my nasojejunal (NJ) tube. It’s become more difficult to place each time it needs to be exchanged. It clogs much more easily…

Which straw reigns supreme? A semi-definitive ranking

Who would’ve thought that something as mundane as straws could become a hot topic? Yet in recent years, they’ve been featured in countless news stories, sparked debate, and been targeted by well-meaning environmental movements. I like to think I know a few things about straws. I’ve been utilizing them…

COVID-19 kept me from saying goodbye to my grandmother

Sobbing a blubbery and snotty cry while waiting for an elevator was likely my rock-bottom moment in January. I’d just left the interventional radiology department after another stressful procedure at the hospital. Thankfully, it went as easily as it could have, given the difficult situation. But…