This ASCA video introduces Chris Leon from Verdugo Hills High. Diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) as a baby, Chris was not expected to live past two years old. However, he defied all odds and is now a 22-year-old student. Meet Joe Akmakjian, a 24-year-old SMA patient who is…
While there is still no cure for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), there are some ways to manage the disease in order to improve the quality of life for the patients. Did you know that regular exercise was seen to protect motor neurons in spinal muscular atrophy animal study? In this …
Using computer graphics, this animated film from Fusion Medical Animation explains the mechanisms of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Characterized by a degeneration of the motor neurons in the spinal cord, SMA leads to muscle wastage. Read about five experimental therapies for SMA you might find interesting. The…
**Warning, video contains adult language.** This SoulPancake film, shared in April 2013, is all about Shane Burcaw, a 20-year-old student with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Find out about the fourth grader who made her classmate’s dream come true. The film follows Shane and his friends…
With winter just around the corner, it’s time we all started to look after ourselves a little more. Avoiding germs is one thing, but we can also try and boost our immune systems by getting plenty of sleep and eating the right foods. Here are nine foods known for their…
In this Muscular Dystrophy UK video, Dr. Ros Quinlivan from the Queen’s Square Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases in England explains the different types of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and the special needs that those with the disease will require throughout life. Read how a British charity is…
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic condition which affects a child’s range of movement due to the ongoing degeneration of muscle tone. There are three main symptoms of the disease, the severity of which will depend upon the type of SMA the patient has: Type 1 presenting the most…
In this Huffington Post video shared in July 2015, meet artist Dwayne Szot and his amazing painting invention. Szot wanted children with disabilities to experience the joys of art but knew that many could not hold pens or brushes. With his artist mind at work, he fashioned a way for kids to…
Earlier this year, when lingerie company Panache asked women to nominate role models, hundred of names poured in, six were picked, but one stood out above all –Â Sylwia Blach, a software programmer who happens to have SMA. Read about some of the issues faced by young adults…
While there is currently no cure for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), there are ways to manage the disease to improve the quality of life for the patients. Here are some of the treatments available for SMA patients according to the UK National Health Service. 1. Exercise Exercise is extremely…
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