• Home
  • About Me
    • About SMA
  • Finding My Feet
  • Blog
  • Events
    • Past Events
    • Upcoming Events
  • Testimonials
  • Gallery
  • Trust Fund
    • Support
  • Contact

Kerry Walsh

  • Blog

    Running Against the Clock, But Learning to Slow Down

    Time. It’s something we all have, yet none of us knows exactly how much of it we get. Because I was given a life expectancy of five years old, I’ve often…

    April 10, 2025
  • Blog Updates

    Caught in a Catch-22: A Decision That Changed My Life

    The Loneliness of a Life-Changing Decision Have you ever been surrounded by a million people but still felt so alone? It’s a question I’ve been pondering a lot lately. On September…

    February 13, 2025
  • Blog

    How Do You Plan for a Future When You Aren’t Given One?

    Hi, I’m Kerry Walsh, and if there’s one motto I’ve embraced with every fiber of my being, it’s this: I’m here for a good time, not a long time. But before…

    January 31, 2025
  • Blog Updates

    2024: A Year of Lessons, Growth, and Gratitude

    As I sit down to reflect on 2024, I can’t help but smile at the thought that every year feels like a roller coaster. It seems I write that every December!…

    December 5, 2024
  • Blog

    The Invisible Value of a Wheelchair: Independence, Identity, and Life

    Most people don’t give much thought to what a wheelchair truly means for someone who relies on one. It’s easy to see it as a tool, a piece of equipment, or…

    November 7, 2024
  • Blog

    Dealing with Bias and Perceptions: A Journey of Awareness and Positivity

    Bias and perceptions are an inevitable part of life, especially when you live with a visible or non-visible disability. People are always going to have opinions about who you are, where…

    October 18, 2024
Older Posts
Today is Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) Today is Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) – a day to reflect, raise awareness, and take action to ensure the digital and physical world is accessible to all.

Accessibility isn’t just a concept – it’s a lifeline. As someone living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), accessibility is the difference between living fully and being left out. Whether it’s a ramp, an accessible bathroom, a working lift, or a website that works with my speak-to-type software, these “small” changes mean everything.

I’ve spent time without my wheelchair and without access to proper facilities – and it stripped away not just my independence, but also a piece of my identity. That’s why I advocate, educate, and share – because accessibility isn’t optional. It’s essential.

At KmotivationSA, we believe that awareness leads to empathy, and empathy leads to action. So today, I challenge you to ask yourself:
 • Is your space accessible?
 • Is your website inclusive?
 • Is your mindset open?

Let’s #ChampionChange together – because accessibility benefits everyone.

#GAAD2025 #GlobalAccessibilityAwarenessDay #DisabilityInclusion #KmotivationSA #ChampioningChange
Happy International Day of Families! Family isn’ Happy International Day of Families!
Family isn’t always defined by blood — it’s built on love, support, and the people who show up for you through every high and low.

Whether it’s the family you’re born into or the one you’ve chosen, we all deserve to feel surrounded by love, understanding, and belonging.

I’m forever grateful for my amazing family — the ones who lift me up, celebrate my wins, and stand by me through every challenge.

(This picture is just a few of us, but each one holds a special place in my heart.)

Let’s celebrate the connections that make us feel at home.

#InternationalDayOfFamilies #FamilyIsEverything #Gratitude #KmotivationSA #ChampioningChange
Happy Nurses Day I’ll be honest—I’ve had a Happy Nurses Day

I’ll be honest—I’ve had a complicated relationship with nurses over the years. As a disabled person, there have been times when I felt misunderstood, overlooked, or frustrated. But as I’ve grown, I’ve also come to understand that much of this comes down to a lack of education and resources around disability care—something that isn’t the nurses’ fault.

Nurses are often overworked, understaffed, and underappreciated. Yet, despite all this, they continue to show up, care, and do their best in incredibly challenging environments. I wouldn’t be here today if I hadn’t received care when I needed it most—and for that, I’ll always be grateful.

To every nurse out there: thank you for your dedication, your compassion, and your tireless efforts. You deserve to be celebrated—not just today, but every day.

#NursesDay #ThankYouNurses #ChampioningChange #KmotivationSA
Being a rare mom isn’t easy. It takes courage, s Being a rare mom isn’t easy. It takes courage, strength, and a whole lot of love. My mom and I haven’t always had the easiest road—we’ve faced tough moments, miscommunications, and growing pains. But lately, we’ve found our rhythm. We’ve come together in a way that reminds me how powerful love and teamwork truly are.

Mom, I love you always. Thank you for walking this rare journey with me.

This #MothersDay, remember to thank the moms who show up in their own unique ways. And if today feels heavy because you’re missing your mom, I’m sending you an extra hug.

#championingchange #kmotivationsa #MothersDay #RareMomLove
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month Did you know t May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide—but also one of the most preventable?

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and protecting it should never be an afterthought. Whether it’s a sunny day or overcast, UV rays can still cause lasting damage.

Here’s how you can protect yourself:
 • Apply sunscreen daily with at least SPF 30—even in winter or when indoors near windows.
 • Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors, especially after swimming or sweating.
 • Wear protective clothing like hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves when in direct sunlight.
 • Check your skin monthly for new or changing moles, spots, or lesions.
 • See a dermatologist annually for a professional skin check.

Early detection can save lives. A few minutes in front of a mirror could make all the difference.

Let’s raise awareness and take action—because prevention is powerful.

#SkinCancerAwarenessMonth #SunSafe #ProtectYourSkin #EarlyDetectionSavesLives
May is Mental Health Awareness Month And I’m her May is Mental Health Awareness Month
And I’m here to remind you: You are never alone.

My journey with mental health has been anything but smooth. It’s been a rollercoaster—full of highs that made me feel invincible, and lows that made me question everything. There have been days I’ve woken up feeling strong and ready to conquer the world, and other days when just getting out of bed felt like a mountain too steep to climb.

Living with a disability, managing the physical demands of SMA, and navigating life’s pressures haven’t made things easier—but they’ve taught me the importance of checking in with myself, asking for help when I need it, and honouring every part of my story.

There’s no shame in struggling. There’s bravery in acknowledging it, in speaking out, and in reaching out—whether it’s to a loved one, a friend, a therapist, or a support community.

To anyone who needs to hear it today: Your feelings are valid. Your story matters. And most of all—you are not alone.

Let’s continue to break the stigma and create safe spaces where vulnerability is met with compassion and courage is celebrated.

#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
#YouAreNotAlone
#ChampioningChange
#KmotivationSA
I’m not just a speaker… I’m a survivor with I’m not just a speaker… I’m a survivor with a story to share.

From navigating life with a rare disease to embracing each day with courage — my journey is what fuels my voice.

I speak from the heart, with a message of hope, resilience, and real-life lessons that uplift and inspire.

Now booking speaking engagements!
If you’re planning an event, workshop, or team session — let’s connect!

#ChampioningChange #KMotivationSA #SpeakerWithAStory #MotivationalSpeaker #KeynoteSpeaker #InspireChange #FindingMyFeet #SMAWarrior #DisabilityAwareness #SouthAfricanSpeaker
Happy Workers’ Day, South Africa! Today, we hon Happy Workers’ Day, South Africa!

Today, we honour the hardworking individuals across every industry who show up, strive, and contribute to building our country. Whether you’re in an office, at home, on the road, in the classroom, behind the scenes or leading from the front — your work matters.

Let’s also take a moment to recognize the ongoing need for inclusive workplaces where everyone, regardless of ability, background, or circumstance, has a fair chance to succeed and be seen.

This Workers’ Day, I salute every worker and champion the power of kindness, dignity, and opportunity in the workplace.

Let’s continue championing change — together.

#WorkersDay #KmotivationSA #ChampioningChange #DignityInWork #InclusiveWorkplaces
Facebook Twitter Instagram

© 2020 Kerry Walsh Trust