Did you know that August is National Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month? Did you know that Gov. Mike Leavitt recently signed a declaration naming Aug. 15 as Utah SMA Awareness Day?
Did you know that there was a beautiful luminary lighting ceremony held on the steps of the Capitol to honor all children, especially those touched by SMA?
Have you ever heard of SMA? If you are like most people, you probably have not. Let me introduce you to SMA. SMA is the No. 1 genetic killer of infants and children under the age of 2. One in 40 adults carries the SMA gene, most unknowingly. One in 6,000 live births is affected by SMA. Many SIDS deaths are SMA-related.
But have you ever heard of SMA? Thousands of innocent children are dying every year from SMA, and now there is hope. On Jan. 31, a major medical breakthrough was announced that — given time and research funding — will reverse and prevent the effects of this disease. At last, there is hope.
SMA needs to become a household term like cancer or AIDS. Everyone out there needs to know about SMA. Please visit our Web site at www.fSMA.org and then go and tell everyone you know about SMA.
More importantly, when you meet people who have been touched by SMA, give them a supporting hug and keep them in your prayers.
Kim Winward
Lehi