Growing Up With Spinal Muscular Atrophy 

The girls at school were probably just jealous because you’re pretty.

I can't believe anyone would bully this amazing, beautiful girl! She is someone I would have loved to be friends with in high school! Being in a wheelchair of course is a part of her, but in NO was defines her! Her creativity, intelligence and personality are what shine. I love her photos. So glad to see her growing more confident, she is amazing and deserves to embrace life fully and enjoy it!

She should find someone who will publish her photographs and add her thoughts and feelings to the book. She can narrate why the photo was taken, how she felt about the circumstances that led her to take the photo, and how the photo makes her feel about herself. She is truly and inspiration. Loved the video!

I don’t get people thinking that someone with a disability is something to bully them...horrible!

This girl is so, so beautiful. Wow she's gorgeous.

Young people can be so incredibly cruel. You'd think that by school age, parents would have taught their kids compassion. Unfortunately, compassion is a quality that some people just never learn.

I'm glad you had the surgery young. I am almost 70 and have severe scoliosis. I didn't have an operation and my spine is an S curve. Have to have x-rays to make sure my heart has room. So proud of you for how you've dealt with this. I, also, love photography. Wishing you all the best. God Bless. 🌷

Honey maybe some of the staring is because you are so beautiful

I have a 4 year old daughter just diagnosed as type 3 two months ago. This is truly beautiful. I hope my daughter is like this beautiful young lady.

This channel always has the most amazing cinematography.

Who can bully such a precious young lady ugh

What a GORGEOUS young lady! She is learning how to make the best of a less than perfect situation. Developing her God given talent will continue to increase her confidence. Life is truly what you make of it. Great going Noelle!

Lord she is beautiful and so strong...I hope she gets all the happiness

Once again, an incredible job done by Attitude! It is so beautiful to see how Noel has blossomed both mentally and emotionally. I get the feeling that NZ's educational system has to do more on the prevention of bullying. The tween and teen years are a tough time to deal with, and even more so when you have a challenge that sets you apart from the average. I want to say that while I didn't really care for the more morose looks that she had with her makeup in her photos, it's clearly a part of the process of figuring out who she is. I think her parents pushing her to do more with the beautiful way she has of expressing herself with the camera is absolutely wonderful. And yes, Noel has a wonderful eye for photography. It may be quite some time before this comes up, but she and her parents should start looking towards ways for her to continue her love for photography when it gets too difficult for her to lift, hold, or adjust the camera. I just can't get over the difference in Noel's look at the beginning and the end of this video. And I'm not talking about how much taller she's sitting. She clearly has quite a positive change in her confidence and self esteem. Noel, YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!

Noel you are a very unique person.. There is no one in this world that is you. You are an inspiration to all. My wife and I have a 20 year old daughter who exhibits all the same stuff that you do and yes she is a little worse than you. She left school in Grade 2 basically for the same reasons. She knew she was different. Good luck to you and your family and embrace life.

Such a beautiful girl. Caring, loving, and talented. You've the smile of an angel. Those who bully do so because they are jealous. You have a bright future ahead of you and know that people from all over love and care about you. God Bless. *Love from Colorado*

I wonder if Noël watches @Squirmy and Grubbs. Shane had SMA Type 2. They’re such a lovely couple. I know she’s about 17 now and this is old, but I think it’d be awesome for them to connect. She’s so talented and kind, I hope she can push past some of the anxiety and accomplish everything she wants. ✨✨✨

What a beautiful smile. You’ll find that as time goes by you’ll care less and less about what others say or think. I went though the same thing when I broke my neck 22 years ago

She is a fantastic photographer. I took photography in all four years of high school and two years in university and she is way better then I ever was.

I was born with cerebral palsy, I was bullied by people in high school, and just in general. God, surrounded me, with wonderful, positive people. Sometimes, I find myself depressed a little bit. She, is such a beautiful person inside, and out. I wish her the best in life. Keep smiling, and stay positive, cause you're a great young lady.

People are so dumb. She is beautiful, talented and strong. Who wouldn’t want to be friends with her?!? She needs to realize that she’ll get so much further in life than all the bullies she has encountered. When I was her age I’d have been mesmerized by her and would have wanted to be in her presence all the time.

Kids, and even adults can be so cruel sometimes. I don't see a handicapped person. I see a beautiful young woman.

Noel, your photography is amazing! Seriously, that's a gift! Love the perspective, emotion, lighting. It's like you capture what you're seeing and feeling, through your eyes, and you recreate your moments for us to see. Thank you for this honor!

She is so beautiful model worthy

It's unfortunate she has low self-esteem because of her situation. She's gorgeous and cool, I definitely gotta crush

Keep your head up high I'm in a wheelchair do to cerebral palsy from lack of oxygen at birth. But I feel for you because I know what it feels like not being able to do something you have wanted to do your whole life. Keep your head up and keep up the good work and do whatever you want don't let anybody tell you that you can't do whatever you want because you can.

Mybe they look at u because u are so beautiful

Beautiful girl, beautiful family, thank you for allowing us to witness your strength.

What a gorgeous young woman. Incredible story brought tears to my eyes. Stay strong your one amazing person

She is so depressed, you can see all the pain in those beautiful eyes. That's a hard age, you're trying to find yourself and emotions run wild. I hope she finds a person to trust and let it all out. It will get better. 💜

You are so so beautiful! Be proud of who you are and the way you are, you can do whatever you want to. I too was badly bullied at school and suffered from bad anxiety issues as well, my heart so my heart goes out to you sweetheart. Glad to hear you could be getting some treatment for your awful condition, I keep my fingers crossed that this will happen very soon. Keep smiling and taking your amazing photos. Love to you and your family xx

I loved watching your story Noel. You are an incredible person and super cool. I think that behind that cheeky smile there's always been a very confident, caring, positive, and successful person. You WILL be a very successful photographer if you keep at it. You're very talented! Thanks for being brave enough to allow them to film your story. It's a wonderful story and I'm happy for you and the bright future God has planned for you!

WOW!!!! Your photography is AMAZING!!!! You are stunningly GORGEOUS!!!!!! So happy I found your video's!!

I think by you sharing your story you've helped others come out of their shell! You are such a beautiful person.. don't ever look down.. 😊

Noel i don't know if you'll see this but this is the most inspirational video I've ever seen. It was so good to see your beauliful smile at the end. Keep taking photos, you're so talented

Shes so beautiful inside and out. I wish this young lady could actually see and believe it but she is still young. I hope she realizes she has so much to look forward to in the future.

I also grew up in a small town. I have sma type 2 so mine is quite a bit further progressed. I was always the only girl in a wheelchair at my schools. I'd like to talk to this girl. Things do get easier as you get older with this disability. Emotionally I mean.

She's so freaking gorgeous !! Wow girl is beautiful blessings to you

Thank you for thks documentary. I felt so identified with every single aspect of her life. I also SMA 3. It made me emotional.

What an amazing lady! Her challenges are many but her strength is more and she has a mind filled with wonder it seems and that's an amazing this to have...always keep your head up and teach others that your value is always in your spirit!

Howdy from Kansas, UAA. Good luck in all your future treatments and endeavors; I know your will do great things with your life...your story is very inspiring

Noel you are so incredibly smart and stunning. Your photography work is amazing. I don't have to qualify any of those statements with "for somebody with a disability." Jus give it time. Your peers will eventually mature and look back and realize how foolish they were and how they missed out on knowing an amazing human being.

We live in a sad world where people judge based on difference. I suffer from Duchenne Muscular dystrophy which means I have a limited lifespan. Thankfully, I haven’t been bullied much but so many stories like this make me sad. People see the wheelchair first. Anyway, I’ve learnt not to care what others think, in fact I stare back at people now to make them feel uncomfortable. Anyway, I hope you can live a good life and that you can conquer that anxiety!!! I can’t relate to that issue so I guess that’s all I’ll say as I don’t want to judge. Mental illness needs way more respect than it gets.

You have a bright future ahead of you,keep those photos coming and maybe one day you could open up a photograph shop.

hello Noel !!! I am so impressed by your story I decided to say hello . My wish is to empower you even more than you already obviously are !!!! You go girl !!! Your photography skills are shiny and bright just like your future . Dont forget to jump in front of the lens more often yourself as you are incredibly beautiful intelligent subject that im sure millions of fans around the world want to see !!!! Stay strong beautiful lady !!! Keep the faith !!! the internet can be a wonderful thing !!!

Noel Is GORGEOUS and I'm SO glad to see how Her Self Esteem & Confidence Have Increased~ SHE SHOULD BE EXTREMELY PROUD OF HERSELF & HER ACCOMPLISHMENTS! SHE'S A FABULOUS PHOTOGRAPHER, AND I SEE HER GOING FAR IN LIFE... I wish her ALL THE BEST!

You are an amazingly strong young lady. Your wheelchair is part of you and who you are. You are also an amazing photographer keep going.

You are alive, you are still here, you are beautiful on the outside and inside! You have struggles of course but you are a wonderful person, you are so creative you have so much going for you! This is who you are be proud of that you are an amazing person!

You have SO much to offer the world. Be yourself... be beautiful

So lovely! What an inspiring young woman

Noel seemed to get more confidence and positive after the surgery. Best wishes, love and blessings to her and her family

School are the hardest years of your life, when it comes to nastiness. Now you are in the real world as a adult, even tho you are still a teenager, and so are with the older people so your disability is accepted more. You are a very pretty, talented young lady and you be proud of who you are and how far you have come. Best of luck with your photography as i think you are amazing.

Our daughter had spinal fusion surgery last year for a 100-degree curve due to scoliosis. It's one heck of a surgery and I'm glad it's behind us. Thanks so much for sharing your story!!

Noel , I guess some people may stare at you because of your wheel chair. However some may stare because you are a beautiful looking girl. You have a wonderful spirit and insight into life for such a young person Xxx Ps Photography is great

Beautiful girl. Beautiful work. Amazing woman. You are a leader, take that role!!!

Wow! Your photos are awesome! You have a great creative eye and skills 😊 Love your dress up and grunge makeup too. You are wonderful, don't forget that.

You are a beautiful girl and your pictures are fantastic; I wish that my roommate could work with you cause she's been a professional photographer for the U.S. Army despite her being deaf.

You are so talented and beautiful...!! Just focus on all the wonderful things you could do. Each one of us is disabled one way or another and some are much more visible than others.

Just a note, I think it's great that the producers managed to get interviews with different individuals who suffer all different kinds of illnesses because 1) you learn what the illness is about, 2) how great they still are as people and 3) how thankful you can be if you were fortunate to live a healthy life so far, because there is so much out there that get a hold of you and will change your life completely

omg, she’s so beautiful 😩

You are so beautiful, and I love your pictures. I think you will be famous one day for your view of the world through the camera lens. Best of luck!

Noel, you're a beautiful & amazing young woman! And you're sooo talented at photography! You should totally go professional!

Love your photos

Your beautiful and remember that people that bully others are not happy with themselves and they are probably jealous of you because your so pretty and seem like a cool person. I hope you can realize this is the truth and just love the beautiful human being that you are.

She is so beautiful and has an amazing personality to match. I hope they find a cure ♡

I wish her all the best with this new treatment

She is just so beautiful... inside and out.

You are an amazingly strong person inside and a very talented photographer

Whoever bullies this beautiful amazing girl you better believe karma is coming back to you in a bad way. Noel you are incredible! No one looks and you and sees anything besides all encompassing beauty. You have a beautiful full life ahead of you.

beautiful and talented. that' s art! Go, girl, you are the Muse and the Poet, you are subject and object of yourself. your pics are AMAZING. I'm sure i will see your work on nyc museum one day. i wish you art, and peace in your heart.thank you for sharing your art. God bless you.

Noël you've more beauty and talent in your little finger than those small minded people that used to tease you will have in their whole lives. Bully's are like trolls on the internet. Sad people with little better to do.

She's absolutely beautiful. Awesome!

What a beautiful young woman you are. Keep positive, keep going, keep.....being you

I want to be Noël’s friend, she seems so amazing and so talented. She is just your regular teenage girl and loves the same things everyone else does❤️ She has so much potential as a photographer and I think her story and what anxiety she deals with will be a very powerful story she can share with other kids like her around the world. Rooting for you Noël!

I just wanna give her a big hug

Strong girl! Wish her big success

I love your photography, so talented.

I had spinal fusion at 14 due to idiopathic scoliosis. I was a gymnast up to that point. I went on to marry and have 4 children. I am now age 53 and the many years of inflexibility are catching up with me. It was bound to happen. I wish Noel all good things.

Noël, you are beautiful and your photography is brilliant. You have parents that love and support. You will do great. From one wheelchair driver to another, 👍🏼✌🏼❤️♿️.

You are a talented and gifted photographer! I too have learnt about Spinraza through squirmy and grubs and their vlogs. It is so hard that it takes so long to get access to these drugs but keep hanging in there as it sounds really promising. God bless you

I have SMA (Type 2)... And I know how it feels when people ask what happened. Usually people often stare at me, especially little children that ask "what happened to him". Alot of people don't reilize that... I'm a normal boy. They judge to fast. Stay strong ❤

Eres hermosa y fuerte y podrás con todo. Es admirable tu fortaleza, mil gracias por contarnos tu historia. De verdad que lo valoro muchísimo, un abrazo gigante desde Colombia.

Watch squirmy and grubs on RU-vid.shane is in his 20s and has sma and can do alot due to his spinraza injections.

The one thing you have that the bullies do not, you're authentically beautiful. In spite of anything you might have heard, your true smile comes from your heart and is transmitted through your eyes.. Some man is going to be very lucky to wake up every morning and see that beautiful smile.

This is heartbreaking about her high school experience. I would have been friends with her. She is still an amazing and beautiful person

Ive watched some videos that have affected me over these past few days, started watching 911 footage and thinking alot about all those people who died, then accident videos of people, just really tragic and now these inspirational videos. Just cant make sense of all the bad things that happen to innocent people in the world.

People are staring at you because you are so beatiful.

I feel an older presence with this girl..a small stature lady with false teeth. When I see this lady standing beside her she shows me a star. You will be fine sweety...this kind hearted woman loves you immensely...she also conveys the feeling that you shouldn’t worry about the bullies, they are hurting too. You have a great talent.. please continue to share your amazing work with the world.

Noel you are so strong girl....i wish you do well and get cure....

Great video, I am also in a chair. I have cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus

Such a gorgeous young woman and a strong, supportive family that I imagine that Noël will accomplish whatever her heart leads her to tackle in life! Blessings to you & your family! 😁🙏🏼💕 PS Love your very bright, sunny house!👍🏽

Hold your head up high love you sit whilst people stand ,it doesn’t make you any less beautiful because you are big hugs

Oh my goodness Noel you seem much wiser than your years--You are a beautiful girl both inside and out--and lets talk about your talent.Beautiful photography! You seem very in tune with yourself and that is key--Keep doing what you are doing young lady and you will go far.I love your name btw! May God continue to bless you--Keep focus of all you have and not what you don't have !

Beautiful woman Beautiful mind beautiful person hope you have a beautiful life

She is so stunning. Wow!

Such an inspirational individual it would be a pleasure to spend a day with her for real ,Wow so talented

She's young so she'll get stronger. Maybe a mentor who is older but has gone through it? She's so beautiful and talented!

God bless this is Teresa husband act anyways I'm a RN and I work with teenager's with this I dont even like saying it, you are so beautiful just take each day for the better if you ever want a pen pals from my teenager's they know exactly what you are feeling, much support with my teens all diagnosed with the same as you, we are here for you ❤ hugs from Seattle Washington

I think people look at you because you are so pretty, and I’m not just saying that. If you weren’t in a wheelchair you wouldn’t give it a second thought. Be strong beautiful girl! Plus very talented!

God bless you guys. Hope everything is going well.