In episode 131, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Candis Welch from Los Angeles, California. A disability advocate, DEI practitioner, and consultant, Candis won the 2023 Ms. Wheelchair California competition. She talks about growing up with SMA, the importance of representation, and how she’s cultivated an independent life.

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

#131: Candis Welch, Disability Advocate and Ms. Wheelchair California

In episode 147, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Brandi Lewis from Birmingham, Alabama. A blood disorder awareness educator, TEDx speaker, writer, and nonprofit founder, Brandi is passionate about helping others diagnosed with chronic illnesses. She herself has been 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. She notes that her greatest accomplishment is having saved three lives by encouraging people to 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/

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

#147: Brandi Lewis, rare disease advocate and speaker

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

#148: Ashley Fox and Madeline Engel discuss friendship and caregiving

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

#149: Jessica Keogh, Ed. D., Educator and Life Coach With SMA

Daily, digital coverage of the latest SMA news and perspectives.

#131: Candis Welch, Disability Advocate and Ms. Wheelchair California

SMA News Today

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