Natalie and Jordan’s families were not strangers to SMA. After many tests and muscle biopsies, Natalie was diagnosed with SMA at 18 months old, at the same time it was discovered she was going to be a big sister. Her little brother, J.C. shares the same diagnoses as Natalie, which was found due to the same milestone issues she experienced. Jordan has an older and a younger sibling who were diagnosed at young ages and were able to walk in their earlier years. However, Jordan was diagnosed with a rare variation of DSMA and was never able to walk, and like Natalie, has grown up in a wheelchair.

SMA and DSMA are genetic and degenerative disorders that progressively get worse over time with the muscles slowly deteriorating, eventually causing issues with swallowing and talking. While Natalie has felt the progression more widespread and has gotten weaker over time, Jordan’s DSMA has been more of a slower progression. He explained he did not really feel a lot of change from elementary to high school but over the last five years has noticed adulthood catching up with him. “If you don’t use it, you lose it” Jordan said, and for them, movement is limited.

Natalie and Jordan do have overnight aids that help them with the bathroom, showers, going to bed, personal care, and making food, but they are still able to be independent, relying on caregivers as little as possible. Natalie drives, they bought their home in Fishers and live on their own. While this is inspirational in itself, it’s only a small piece of Natalie and Jordan’s story.

Natalie and Jordan both grew up with parents who never treated them differently, and a mindset that “if there was not a path paved for them, they made their own path”.  According to this amazing couple, this was very important growing up as they were taught to always speak up for themselves, redirected to be social and have a voice so they could tell people what they needed. Natalie and Jordan saw these expectations from their parents, and the support systems that surrounded them, as a privilege as it taught them to see the path or make their own path forward. They knew they had advocates in their corner, and both Natalie and Jordan described their moms as “feisty” wanting the world to have the same expectations for them.

Their families didn’t treat their disabilities as restrictions, but as opportunities to do things differently. This mindset allowed them to write the stories that many would have said were already written for them. They were active, independent and driven, which allowed them to believe in their dreams and strive for their goals. They felt they could do whatever they set their minds to, even if it looked different to the outside world. They both attended college, Natalie graduating from Ball State with her degree in journalism, currently working in web design, and Jordan earning his BA in sports business and his MBA, now working in digital marketing and analytics.

They didn’t believe in closed doors because they opened them. However, prior to their higher education and adulting in grown-up jobs, stemming back to their strong family dynamic, they shared a common passion. When they were younger, Natalie’s mom, being the advocate that she was, wanted to do more than just tell her children to be active, she did something to make it happen. She helped to build a wheelchair accessible park, “Everyone’s Playground” and helped to create the first power soccer team in Indiana, Sudden Impact. This opened more doors for Natalie and eventually Jordan too.

Natalie was just starting high school and Jordan still in elementary when they first met playing power soccer. While they didn’t know it at that time, they would eventually share a future together. They reconnected by playing on the same US National team, traveling to Brazil in 2019. While hanging out with family after the tournament, Natalie didn’t realize how Jordan felt, but when they returned home, he reached out, stayed connected, and the rest is history. To date, Sudden Impact continues to provide an opportunity for power wheelchair users after 25 years as a competitive, top-ranked power soccer club.

When not playing soccer, to stay active, Natalie and Jordan take advantage of the Fishers area and regularly utilize the Nickel Plate Trail when it’s nice outside. They love the walkability of everything in town and love the ability to roll out, talk and enjoy the festivals and farmers markets.

As earlier stated, Natalie’s mom was involved in different committees advocating for her children and one of those organizations was MDFF. Natalie remembers the first time connecting with this organization at a Christmas party in the 5th grade. They feel MDFF is a great resource for the community, providing opportunities they can’t get elsewhere and events with other people in the same situation. Jordan also remembers the Christmas parties and meeting his soccer team members there prior to joining the club. He felt this was good for them to see they are not alone and gave parents hope for the future. MDFF also helped Natalie and Jordan receive a new movable bed that helps position themselves which they are super happy about. Natalie even excitingly expressing how much she “loves the massage feature!”

When asked what advice they would give others living with SMA/DSMA, both Natalie and Jordan said, “travel a lot”. They explained that many people with disabilities are generally hesitant to travel. They did express that it won’t always be easy, but there is always a way to figure it out, and it will always be worth it. Taking their own advice, Natalie and Jordan visited Italy over the summer taking in their surroundings and the different culture. Passionate about not restricting themselves, and knowing others in their situation can be hesitant, they wanted to share their experiences in hopes to help pave the way and inspire others to get out and see the world.

This passion is how Roamable Accessible Travel Guides was born. Real world guidance and information from a couple who has done it. From tips, to tricks, travel stories and wheelchair accessible opportunities, Roamabletravel.com is the one stop shop for wheelchair traveling. Natalie will also provide consultations if it still feels a little overwhelming. From power soccer to power couple, Natalie and Jordan are an inspirational example of paving your own path and living life to the fullest!

February 2026 – written by Lisa Heber, MDFF volunteer