“This is what I have to work with. I’m going to make the best out of it.”
That’s Madeline Schott’s motto. The 18 year old was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at just age 3. Her brother also has the disorder and both children refuse to let the disease dictate their lives.
The illness is a form of neuromuscular degeneration, causing weakness in the limbs. For many, it means life in a wheelchair. To minimize symptoms and keep up her strength, Madeline takes medicine, goes to therapy, and does specific workouts.
The illness ebbs and flows and some days Madeline has more strength than others. But through dedicated treatment and a positive mindset, she’s recently gained a lot more strength in her arms. This has allowed her to live a very active life.
Staying active
In addition to her prescribed exercises, Madeline keeps her body moving day to day. She’s played wheelchair hockey and loves bass fishing with her brother. When she was in the 4th grade she found a passion for singing and joined choir. Now a freshman in college, she’s a member of the gospel choir.
But if that weren’t enough, she’s recently joined her schools wheelchair basketball team. Despite having never played before, her coach says she’s learning quickly and is a great asset to the team. Every week day from 6am to 8:30 am she practices to build her strength and skill. She’s great at playing defense but her goal is to make a basket, and she’s extremely close.
She says she’ll cry tears of joy when she accomplishes that goal, and with her determination its bound to happen soon.
Staying positive
Madeline’s father says that instead of calling herself “disabled”, she prefers the term “differently abled.” Her basketball coach explains her “can-do” attitude makes her a perfect fit for the team. Her lack of experience doesn’t matter- she exudes positivity and has a deep dedication to learning.
Madeline’s story is an exquisite example of strength with rare disease. You can read more about her and her brother’s experience living with spinal muscular atrophy here.
