SMAshing My Limits is about you
Living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is part of your story, but it doesn't define everything about you.
This space is here to help you build confidence, taking small steps towards greater independence, and navigate real-life moments – from friendships and social life, to speaking up about your own care.
There’s no one way to “SMAsh your limits”. It looks different for everyone. What matters is taking it one step at a time and knowing you’re not doing it alone.
George’s video
To George, SMAshing his limits means trying something new.
Having a disability might mean doing things differently sometimes, but it doesn’t define your potential. Watch how George is SMAshing the drums:
View video transcript
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When I actually first
started doing drumming,
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my mum was told
that I would never
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physically be able to
do anything like this.
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But now, I'm able
to play entire
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songs, which shows
that if you commit
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to something that
you really love,
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then you can achieve it.
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People assume that
I have a miserable
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life because I'm
in a wheelchair,
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and that is
completely wrong.
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Because I think I
have an amazing life.
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I'm 15 years
old and I have
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spinal muscular atrophy.
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Since I was 10, I
loved strumming.
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It all started off when I
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used to tap on the table.
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In the not too
distant future, I
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got my fast electric
drum kit, which
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means I could
practice at home.
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And I thought this could
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be quite a good skill.
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but to get where I am
at now I did physio
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and physio I did
weight lifting which is
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really important to
actually get my arms
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stronger so I can
actually hit the cymbals
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hard enough to make
sound and also to
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have enough endurance
since I've been
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going to the gym I've
noticed a massive
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improvement one of them
is that bench press
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the first time I did
a bench press I held
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it up for about 3
seconds and each time
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I built up it was from
3 to 5 and now 25.
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I'm building up
every single time
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which makes me
feel proud of it.
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I would tell other
people of SMA to not
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get your disability
to define you and
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to always try new
things because someone
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Someone might tell
you that you can't
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do this or I don't
think you'll be able
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to do this because
of your disability.
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But it's always
good to try
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and give something a go.
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Things that give me
confidence, one of
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them is my chair
and this chair is
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special because it
goes on two wheels
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and that means for
social aspect that I
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can be the same
height as my friends.
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One of the main things
that I've noticed
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for when I've
become older is that
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I've become a lot
more independent.
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00:02:27,980 --> 00:02:29,700
And that's not only just
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with making my
own breakfast,
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or cleaning the
dishwasher on the
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cutlery, or even
brushing my own teeth.
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It's more with
the courage
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of asking
someone for help.
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Independence isn't
just doing things by
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yourself, but it's
also having the
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guts or courage to
ask someone for help.
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That's true independence.
George’s video
George plays the drums and speaks about what independence means for him.
Life with SMA
Individuals of all ages are affected by SMA, and each day can bring new experiences and challenges. While no two people are the same, many people living with SMA, or caring for someone with this disease, share similar challenges, including:
Physical limitations
SMA causes muscle weakness that can affect movement, posture, breathing, and swallowing. As the condition progresses, everyday activities, such as sitting or standing, may require additional support or adaptive equipment.1
Logistical barriers
Living with SMA often involves navigating practical and logistical challenges beyond medical care. These can include access to suitable equipment, reliable caregiving support, accessible transport, and coordination across healthcare, education, or workplace settings.1
Emotional well-being
Living with SMA can affect emotional and mental well‑being for both individuals and caregivers, particularly during periods of transition. Emotional support, peer connection, and open conversations are an important part of care and quality of life.2
"One thing that annoys me is when people assume that I have a miserable life because I'm in a wheelchair, and that is completely wrong, I have an amazing life.”
- George T, SMA Patient Advocate, SMA Type 2
It’s time to celebrate how you SMAsh your limits!
Whether it’s meeting a milestone, making a new memory, or overcoming one of your previous limitations, your accomplishments can inspire others.
REFERENCES
- Song W and Ke X. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2025;20(1):352.
- Cure SMA. Caring for Emotional and Mental Health. Care Series booklet. Available at: https://www.curesma.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/121820_Caring_for_Emotional_Mental-Health_vWeb.pdf. Accessed August 2026.
Other content you may be interested in:
Navigating your SMA journey
Explore practical tools and resources to help you navigate everyday challenges, important conversations, and growth towards greater independence.
Caregiver corner
A dedicated space for caregivers supporting young people with SMA, including guidance on encouraging independence, building confidence, and taking care of themselves too.
Community support
Discover resources and community support through our patient advocacy partner, dedicated to helping you feel informed and connected while living with SMA.
This website provides general educational and support information for people living with SMA and their caregivers. It is not intended to provide medical advice, replace discussions with healthcare professionals, or promote any specific treatment. Always consult your healthcare professional for any questions regarding your condition or its management.
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