The Spinal Muscular Atrophy Podcast with Kevin Schaefer · SMA News Today

#129: Rylie Erbacher, Rare Artist With SMA

·29 min·1 clip

Riley has SMA Type 2 diagnosed at age 2, uses art to tell her story, and was honored as one of 10 rare artists in DC.

Riley Erbacher, a young artist with SMA Type 2, discusses her journey growing up with spinal muscular atrophy, using art as a vehicle for personal expression and disability advocacy. After 3 years of competition entries, she won the Rare Artist award, honored as one of 10 artists with rare diseases by Washington DC. Her mother Stephanie shares the emotional trajectory from devastating diagnosis to optimistic present, when new treatments have transformed the landscape. Riley reflects on art evolving from hobby to meaningful platform, and meeting other rare artists provided crucial community connection.

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