The Spinal Muscular Atrophy Podcast with Kevin Schaefer

SMA News Today’s multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge, discusses a new treatment algorithm for SMA infants diagnosed via vital newborn screening. Also, for those with mobility issues one of the most difficult aspects of life can be going to the bathroom. Options to make it easier do exist. A couple options that can be discussed with a doctor are a suprapubic catheter or a Mitrofanoff. Are you in...

SMA News Today’s multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge, discusses how the ZPR1 protein may be a new potential therapeutic target for SMA. Also, Forums Director Kevin Schaefer talks about an NBC pilot, in which one of the main characters is a kid with SMA. Are you interested in learning more about spinal muscular atrophy? If so, please visit https://smanewstoday.com/

Forums Director Kevin Schaefer talks about embracing the power of his voice in his latest column. Also, every family goes through their share of triumphs and tribulations. In Michael Casten’s latest column he reflects on their most recent struggles as a family. Are you interested in learning more about spinal muscular atrophy? If so, please visit smanewstoday.com/

In episode 51, I talked with Ryan Manriquez and Nora Zade from Sacramento, California. Ryan is a college student with SMA Type 2, and he and Nora have been dating for several months. Both are sophomores at Folsom Lake College, and they’ll be transferring to UC Davis this fall. Throughout this conversation, they talk about their relationship, college life, and more.

SMA News Today’s multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge, discusses how up to 100 free Zolgensma treatments are going to go out worldwide in 2020 under an access program. Also, one thing DeAnn Runge struggles with is finding the line between determination and a waste of time. After spending half an hour trying to unplug her iPad, she decided she has better things to do with her time. Are you intere...

We discuss a study that finds adults with SMA, tend to report low prevalence of non-motor symptoms & Forums Director Kevin Schaefer reads from a Monday Motivation post in the SMA News Today Forums. Are you interested in learning more about the spinal muscular atrophy? Please visit www.smanewstoday.com

Forums Director Kevin Schaefer talks about trying to manage stomach issues as an individual with SMA & as usual there are great conversations going on in the SMA News Today forums, says DeAnn Runge. Discussions range from how you communicate to strangers your vulnerability to germs to talking about subscription boxes breaking up the monotony of winter and more. Are you interested in learning m...

We discuss a study that suggests that regular CSF exams are urged following Spinraza treatments, to screen for injection side effects. Forums moderator DeAnn Runge has an affinity for smart home devices. However because of their price tags she has to evaluate these products and decide which will integrate with the products she already uses and if they’ll enhance her life. Are you interested in lea...

We discuss a study that suggests that regular CSF exams are urged following Spinraza treatments, to screen for injection side effects. Forums moderator DeAnn Runge has an affinity for smart home devices. However because of their price tags she has to evaluate these products and decide which will integrate with the products she already uses and if they’ll enhance her life. Are you interested in lea...

We discuss the HHS Secretary, Alex Azar, touts the White House efforts to cure rare diseases & Forums Director Kevin Schaefer talks about taking advantage of new opportunities when you have SMA. Are you interested in learning more about the spinal muscular atrophy? Please visit www.smanewstoday.com

Go to our forums: http://bit.ly/forumsflashbriefings Forums Director Kevin Schaefer recounts the story of his adventures in Philadelphia, and talks about what it means to be rare and resilient. Also, on the SMA News Today forums there’s new content posted on a daily basis and virtually no topic is off limits. Recently SPC’s and other options to make going to the bathroom easier were talked about....

In episode 50, hosts Kevin Schaefer and Michael Morale discuss updates on Roche and Genentech’s experimental therapy risdiplam. Now that this drug is under FDA-approval, we answer questions regarding its potential cost, and what kind of impact it will have on the SMA community. They also talk about two of their recent columns from the main site. The first is about media representation of people wi...

We discuss a US real-world study, that claims that Spinraza stabilizes or improves motor function in older SMA patients. Also, when you have a disease that’s considered the number one genetic killer of infants, getting old doesn’t cross your mind that often. DeAnn talks about the reality of aging parents and how it’s made her become self-reliant as she’s gotten older. Are you interested in learnin...

We discuss a study that states how a multidisciplinary approach improves the Spinraza dosing process in SMA patients. Also, Forums Director Kevin Schaefer reads the latest piece by parent columnist Michael Casten. Are you interested in learning more about the spinal muscular atrophy? Please visit www.smanewstoday.com