July 20, 2004 > August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is the leading genetic cause of death of children under two. One in 40 is a carrier. One in 6000 births is affected. SMA robs patients of voluntary muscle control, including crawling, sitting, walking, swallowing and breathing.

SMA shows no age or ethnic preference. There is no cure yet, but needed research is ongoing and promising. The international scientific community agrees that, of all the neuromuscular diseases, SMA is the closest to a cure. Remarkable research advances have been made and there is real hope that a treatment is within reach. Therapeutic research has begun, clinical protocols have been established, and clinical drug trials are underway.

Show your support for those afflicted with Spinal Muscular Atrophy by participating in the First Annual SMA Candle-lighting. August is SMA awareness month

At 8 p.m., Saturday, August 7, light one or more candles in a prominent location (front window, doorstep, or edge of your driveway). Add a sign stating it is for SMA. Ask friends and neighbors to join you...let's light up the town!

For more information see www.CureSMA.com or contact Marge Shively 948-3192.