Beaverdale BeaverDash - Raising Research Funds for Families of SMA

ABOUT FAMILIES OF SMA:
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) strikes children throughout the world. Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (FSMA) is one of only a few organizations dedicated to the needs of SMA patients and their families.

Founded in 1984 by families who had nowhere to turn in their quest for support and information about Spinal Muscular Atrophy, FSMA has 24 Chapters throughout the United States and 8 international Chapters. A 501 (c) (3) organization, is intensely volunteer-driven,with nearly all its work, including fund raising, done by volunteer members.

As its Mission Statement indicates, FSMA is dedicated solely to eradicating Spinal Muscular Atrophy by promoting and supporting research; helping families cope with SMA through informational programs and support; and educating the public and professional community about SMA.

During the past year alone, FSMA chapters were able to raise nearly five (5) million dollars for research,most of it coming from family or group fundraising events conducted by individual chapters. For every dollar raised by Families of SMA, 88 cents goes to research, a remarkably high percentage.


	ABOUT SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy): SMA is a genetic, neuromuscular disease resulting in progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the spinal cord. It is the leading genetic cause of death in children under the age of 2. When the gene mutation is present in both parents, each child has a one in four chance of developing SMA. Parents, relatives, friends of SMA patients, along with SMA professionals and patients themselves make up the membership of FSMA. SMA is categorized in three types, Type I, II, and III. Type I is the earliest to develop, with the highest incidence usually in infancy, and is nearly always fatal. Type II usually develops by age two. While it may be fatal, Type II patients may live well into adulthood. Type III appears by age three or four. Type III patients are often in a wheelchair or on crutches by the time they reach their teens, but often do live well into adulthood.		ABOUT FAMILIES OF SMA: Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) strikes children throughout the world. Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (FSMA) is one of only a few organizations dedicated to the needs of SMA patients and their families. Founded in 1984 by families who had nowhere to turn in their quest for support and information about Spinal Muscular Atrophy, FSMA has 24 Chapters throughout the United States and 8 international Chapters. A 501 (c) (3) organization, is intensely volunteer-driven,with nearly all its work, including fund raising, done by volunteer members. As its Mission Statement indicates, FSMA is dedicated solely to eradicating Spinal Muscular Atrophy by promoting and supporting research; helping families cope with SMA through informational programs and support; and educating the public and professional community about SMA. During the past year alone, FSMA chapters were able to raise nearly five (5) million dollars for research,most of it coming from family or group fundraising events conducted by individual chapters. For every dollar raised by Families of SMA, 88 cents goes to research, a remarkably high percentage.