Posts

Lauren Junge: Where Passion Meets Perseverance By Leah J. Zelaya

Image
Some paths are chosen. Others are carved from the challenges life places in our way. And every so often, those challenges become the very reason someone rises higher — not in spite of them, but because of them. Lauren Junge, a nineteen-year-old from Houston, Texas, is a neuroscience student at the University of Rhode Island and the founder of the NORD Students for Rare club on her campus. She lives with Type 1 Diabetes and Lambert Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS), a rare neuromuscular disease. Her academic focus is as precise as it is personal: she is majoring in medicinal neuroscience and minoring in cellular and molecular biology, determined to one day become a doctor working with children who have neuromuscular conditions. “I was interested in pharmacology as well as neuroscience, so I ended up finding medicinal neuroscience — a combination of both studies,” she explains. “My ultimate goal is to go to medical school and work with children with neuromuscular diseases. Medication is ...
12 comments
Read more

Light of Hope: Guided by Grace — Amy Shinneman’s Story by Leah J. Zelaya

Image
In a world that often defines strength by what’s visible and loud, true courage whispers in the moments unseen. It’s found in grace under pressure, in unwavering faith, and in the quiet decision to keep moving forward—day after day. Amy Shinneman’s story is one of those steady lights, a testament to how faith, love, and resilience can shape a life of purpose beyond the challenges we face. As a devoted wife, mother, journalist, athlete, and Alumni National Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Amy walks her path with a heart full of grace and a spirit that refuses to be dimmed. Amy lives with Bethlem Myopathy, a rare neuromuscular disease that affects her muscles and mobility. Her journey reflects a profound commitment to connection, purpose, and lifting others up. From 2022 to 2023, Amy served two terms as a National MDA Ambassador, representing the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s mission, raising awareness about neuromuscular diseases, and offering support and hope to...
41 comments
Read more

Leading with Purpose: Mindy Henderson by Leah J. Zelaya

Image
This series highlights voices defined by resilience, boldness, and grace. Mindy Henderson’s story is a compelling example of leadership grounded in lived experience and unwavering purpose. Based in Austin, Texas, Mindy serves as Editor-in-Chief of Quest Magazine, a national speaker, writer, and host of MDA’s Quest Podcast. Living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)—a rare neuromuscular disorder that progressively weakens muscle strength and mobility—her perspective is shaped by both personal experience and a commitment to authentic storytelling. “Never in a million years did I think I would spend my time working as an advocate,” Mindy says. That changed during a conversation with disability rights leader Judy Heumann on her podcast. When Mindy expressed admiration for Judy’s leadership and a hope to follow her path, Judy surprised her: “You’re already an advocate.” Initially dismissive, Mindy soon understood that advocacy isn’t defined by titles but by the way we live and the example ...
58 comments
Read more

Joann Ferrara: The Heart Behind Dancing Dreams by Leah J. Zelaya

Image
There’s a quiet kind of magic that unfolds when one person dares to believe in the impossible. For hundreds of young dancers with physical and medical challenges, that person is Joann Ferrara. A pediatric physical therapist with a deep sense of purpose, Joann has devoted her life to making sure every child experiences the joy of dancing, the thrill of performing, and the unconditional support of a community that celebrates their brilliance. It all began in the back room of Joann’s physical therapy office. During a session, a 4-year-old girl with cerebral palsy, wearing a tiara and tutu, looked up and said, “I wish I could be a dancer, but nobody wants me.” That one sentence shifted the course of Joann’s life. She transformed that tiny room into a makeshift studio and invited five young girls to dance with her. It wasn’t about perfect pirouettes or classical technique. It was about joy, self-expression, and belonging. Today, that small dream has grown into Dancing Dreams, a nonprofit t...
14 comments
Read more

Redefining Possibility: Veronica Siaba’s Story, by Leah J. Zelaya

Image
  At Harmony, every story celebrates the indomitable strength and unwavering resolve of those who rise above adversity, forging a future rooted in inclusivity and justice. These stories, rich in empowerment and struggle, shed light on what it means to embody resilience in its purest form. Today, I am honored to introduce Veronica Siaba, a 26-year-old woman living with cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that affects movement and muscle coordination. Despite the challenges her condition presents, Veronica has never allowed it to limit her potential. Instead, she has turned her experiences into a powerful force for positive change, demonstrating that true strength lies in embracing who you are, no matter the obstacles. Veronica Siaba Veronica’s journey is deeply intertwined with Dancing Dreams, a nonprofit organization where she was the first dancer. This program offers adaptive dance opportunities for children and young adults with disabilities, allowing them to express t...
8 comments
Read more