| SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY |
| Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a term for a group of inherited neuromuscular diseases that affect motor neurons, the specialized nerve cells that control the movement of voluntary muscles. |
There is no treatment or cure for it today. Recent medical advances have identified the cause of SMA - a missing gene which results in failure of the body to produce messenger genes which provide for the production of functional proteins and communication amoung cells. |
| Without these capabilities otherwise normal and healthy nervous system functions fail as the lower motor neurons in the spinal cord die. |
| Without the proper level of motor neurons, specifically SMN - the Survival Motor Neuron, the body is unable to communicate with muscles, and the muscles atrophy. Respiratory failure can sometimes be the final result. |
| Check out the following links to learn more about SMA... |
| A comprehensive on-line information and resource center as well as support for families affected by SMA |
| A newly formed Chapter here in Canada |
| National organization committed to accelerating a cure for SMA |
| Written articles giving more background information regarding SMA |
| Support site for people with SMA and for their Families |
| More information regarding SMA |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Website dedicated to providing information and support |
|
| Miss Nicki Ard is a wonderful Christian Singer, and happened to have SMA She was also Miss Wheelchair USA for 2000 |
|
| Great website raising funds for SMA research in memory for Madison |
| Tributes and stories of many children and babies affected by this disease |
| . |
| Spinal Muscualt Atrophy is the number one genetic killer of children under the age of two. More than 21,000 children worldwide are born with SMA each year. One in 6,000 babies is born witn SMA, 50% of those diagnosed before the age of 2 will die before their second birthday. SMA can strike anyone of any age, race or gender. One in 40 people carry the SMA gene. |