As part of my 101 in 1001 list I'm giving back each month by donating $25 to a different charity or organization. This month I'm giving back to The Gwendolyn Strong Foundation which is an organization dedicated to increasing global awareness of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). My cousin has a daughter living with SMA so this organization hits close to home.
Most babies with SMA are born after a normal pregnancy, are seemingly healthy, and pass all current newborn screenings. The disease is caused by an abnormal or missing gene known as the survival motor neuron gene (SMN1), which is responsible for the production of a protein essential to motor neurons. Without this protein, lower motor neurons in the spinal cord degenerate and die. As the motor neuron network breaks down, the ability of the brain to control muscles diminishes and with less control and use, muscles weaken and waste away.
I'm excited to donate to theGSF this month in order to increase awareness of SMA and accelerate research on the disease.
xoxo
PS
Our granddaughter Willow has SMA1. She is inwardly a very strong one year old, even though her muscles are very weak. Thankyou Sara for bringing awareness to this condition. Through prayer and research much can be accomplished.
ReplyDeleteThank you! This is so thoughtful!!!
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