September 14, 2004 > Walk for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Set for Central Park in Fremont

A little known disease has devastated families by killing infants and toddlers. Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) affects one in every 6,000 live births and afflicts over 25,000 Americans. Worldwide, 13,000 lives are lost every year to SMA. This genetically transmitted disease is carried by one in every 40 people irrespective of age or ethnic background.

The international scientific community agrees that of all neuromuscular diseases, SMA is the closest to developing a treatment or a cure. Because a cure is in sight, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently designated SMA as a model for their research program aimed to turn basic science into actual drugs and treatments. It is the educated expectation of leading scientists and clinicians worldwide that with the appropriate funding, an effective therapy for SMA can be achieved in five years or less.

Walk SMArt is being organized and conducted by local Bay Area families whose children are suffering, or have suffered, the effects of SMA. The walk, open to all, is being held to raise awareness and funding to benefit SMA research and treatment.

Walk SMArt
Saturday, October 2
9 a.m.
Lake Elizabeth (Central Park), Fremont

For more information about sponsorships and other ways to participate in Walk SMArt, contact Linda Fernandes: (510) 797-9717.

To learn more about FSMA and its mission, please see www.fsma.org.