For those who know us, you know that Leanna's Brother and Sister-in-Law were blessed with the most precious baby on October 5, 2009. She was diagnosed with a fatal genetic disease called SMA. (Spinal Muscular Atrophy). She went to be with Jesus on October 27, 2009. She impacted so many lives during her 22 days here on the earth. Let us fight for a cure for SMA in her memory!!
SMA -- Spinal Muscular Atrophy -- KILLS more young children than ANY other inherited disease -- 50% die by their 1st birthday, 90% by their 2nd.
1 in 40 people UNKNOWINGLY carries the SMA gene -- few have any known family history.
SMA is degenerative and terminal. Although born healthy, babies eventually lose the ability to walk, sit, eat, breathe, and even swallow. The mind is NEVER impacted and children with SMA are bright and social.
There is currently NO treatment and NO cure, but there is HOPE!
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) coined SMA as the disease "CLOSEST to TREATMENT".
Researchers say a CURE is possible in a few years -- IF given adequate funding.
SMA is considered a "model" disease and many scientist believe it is a "gateway" to answers for countless other diseases, including: ALS/Lou Gehrig's, spinal cord injury, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, the muscular dystrophies, and even some forms of cancer.
Chase Bank started something awhile ago where users of Facebook could nominate and then vote for their favorite charities. In the first round 100 charities would be awarded $25,000. There were several SMA charities in the running and ALL were worthy of the $25,000 BUT the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation was one of the top 100 charities!!! They wrote a check for $25,000 to Dr. Kirstead (sp?) who is one of the most promising leaders in research for SMA. I want to thank all of you who voted for the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation in the first round of the Chase giveaway!
Please help us to add another million dollars for SMA research. Please go to vote by clicking here --->http://voteforsma.com/
God Bless
