Disability Advocates / Innovative Women - Heather & Jessica Tomko

Leave Your Mark with Vince Cortese

Heather and Jessica Tomko are sisters who both have a genetic, neuromuscular disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). SMA affects the motor neurons, which causes people with SMA to have weak muscles that atrophy over time. Heather and Jessica were both diagnosed as infants, and a life with SMA is all they have ever known. They strive to bring their full selves, disability and all, to a world that is often inaccessible and not accepting of disabilities.
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Resources Mentioned:

• Heather's blog: https://theheatherreport.com
• Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theheatherreport
• Heather's work: https://www.caregiving.pitt.edu
• Jessica's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicatomko
• Article that Jessica wrote: https://triblive.com/opinion/jessica-tomko-disability-representation-in-the-entertainment-industry
• Film Pittsburgh Reel Abilities Festival: https://filmpittsburgh.org/pages/reelabilities

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1. Preview (00:00:00)

2. Early Life (00:01:09)

3. Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Diagnosis (00:02:01)

4. Relationship as Sisters and with Parents (00:05:39)

5. Colleges & Careers (00:12:30)

6. Heather's Work (00:19:18)

7. Jessica's Work (00:22:12)

8. Billboard Message (00:23:52)

9. How will you two leave your marks? (00:26:30)