Dear Jerika,

Your story comes out and has garnered the media a month after the hype with "Me Before You." Your story is different from the storyline in the novel and movie, not only because you are a 14-year-old girl who could light up the room, but also because of having spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Ever since your story came out, there is the question of Why? every time a new article comes out.

According to MedlinePlus: "Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disease that attacks nerve cells, called motor neurons, in the spinal cord. These cells communicate with your voluntary muscles -- the ones you can control, like in your arms and legs. As the neurons die, the muscles weaken. This can affect walking, crawling, breathing, swallowing and head and neck control.” As I am deaf and have cerebral palsy, I cannot really empathize, but I can sympathize. What I am doing in writing this is not to pity you, but to attempt to help you understand that there is more to life than what you probably think at the moment.

Despite all the pain and sadness you most likely feel, suicide is not the answer to run away from the issues surrounding SMA. You may not realize it at the moment, but if you end up making a decision to continue living, you can see how much you could do after your teen years. I guess that I have a difficult time understanding how you choose to want to end your life now when you really haven't experienced much yet. My cerebral palsy is mild and there are rarely any pain; this is why I cannot empathize with you because you have SMA and deal with a lot of pain.

The girl I see in pictures and videos is different from the girl declaring that she wants to end her life. You look like you are having the time of your life and putting on a strong front.

Regardless of everything that has happened, and the fact that you had 38 surgeries, your spirit is probably at ease.

Sincerely,
Christina.