What is SMA?

* SMA kills more young children than any other inherited disease, is the most common cause of genetic infant mortality, is the #1 genetic killer of young children.

* SMA is degenerative, causing the weakness and wasting of voluntary muscles — eventually impacting crawling, walking, standing, sitting up, coughing, breathing, swallowing, speaking…anything requiring muscle strength.

* SMA is estimated to occur in 1 out of every 6,000 live births. Incidence rates are comparable to the more well known ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease and Cystic Fibrosis.

* 1 in every 40 people unknowingly carries the SMA causing gene or nearly 8 Million potential parents in the U.S. alone — making it “common.” Both people must be carriers for the disease to be passed on — making it “rare.” There are simple blood or saliva tests available to learn if you are a carrier before you get pregnant. The American College of Medical Genetics recommends ALL couples be tested for SMA.

* SMA is terminal. There is currently no treatment or cure… BUT there is much research work being done around the world and it holds enormous potential. In fact, the National Institutes of Health selected SMA as the disease closest to treatment.

How can you help make a difference?

Please help the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation win $20,000 for SMA research by voting in the month of September in the Samsung Helmet of Hope For More contest. To vote go to www.VoteForSMA.com, select the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation, enter the two security words, check the Official Rules box, and then click “Vote Now!” The Gwendolyn Strong Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps raise funds for SMA research, raise awareness and create support for the SMA community. I've had the honor of meeting Gwendolyn Strong and her amazing parents. Gwendolyn has SMA Type 1 and will be 3-years-old in October. She has already beaten the odds and she's a true inspiration. The SMA community would not be were they are today without them. Thank you Gwendolyn, Victoria and Bill for all that you do for the SMA community. (For more information on the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation please click the above link).