Brookhaven’s Whiz Kid

June 1, 2011

Brookhaven’s Whiz Kid

Brookhaven Patch | May 10, 2011 | By Andrea Botham

Aleena Hope Miller was born 7 years ago with a genetic disorder that has a typical lifespan of 6 months to 2 years. Yet this spunky girl has beat the odds with this defect that causes Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type I, the most severe and fatal form of the disorder and has become an inspiration to her family, friends and neighbors.

SMA Type 1 restricts Aleena’s ability to move, swallow or breathe on her own, but this doesn’t stop her from living her life to its very fullest. Despite her full body paralysis she loves to learn, read books, watch Barbie videos, and enjoys her American Girl dolls.

Click HERE or on the image below to read more…

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Friends Raising Money For Inspirational Family

May 9, 2011

Friends Raising Money For Inspirational Family

CBS Atlanta | May 8, 2011 | By Katie Brace

At 1 1/2 years old, Skylar Jones lets you know what she likes with her eyes. She has a rare genetic disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy or SMA.

Kyle Jones, father, said, “The strongest she was, was when she was born.”

Skylar’s muscles are basically wasting away and there’s no medical miracle to change that.

Ashley Jones, mother, said, “Right now she breathes with her diaphragm because her muscles around her lungs don’t work.”

It means either Ashley or Kyle can never be far away, especially if she’s off the breathing machine.

Click HERE or on the image below to learn more…

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Ranger family seeks treatment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy

April 1, 2011

Ranger family seeks treatment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy

The Bayonet | March 30, 2011 | By Cheryl Rodewig

FORT BENNING, Ga. – Ever heard of Spinal Muscular Atrophy?

Neither had Staff Sgt. Kanaan and Kari Merriken a little more than a year ago.

Their son, Caleb, was born June 3, 2008 – “the best day of my life,” Kari said.

“The first few months of his life were relatively normal,” she said. “He rolled over at 12 weeks. He was able to sit up at 5 months. He crawled at 8-and-a-half months.”

But when he wasn’t walking at the 16-month mark, his doctor was concerned.

Click HERE or on the image below to read more…

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Matt Brown will teach you how to smile

February 27, 2011

Matt Brown will teach you how to smile

The Times-Herald | February 26, 2011 | By Alex Mcrae

Matt Brown’s smile couldn’t be more permanent if it were tattooed on.

The broad, bold grin that splits his face never dims, never fades, never falters. It’s an expression that reflects a life of peace, happiness and joy. But it also causes some confusion.

Matt Brown can’t stop smiling. Most people in his situation would be drowning in tears.

Matt Brown has never kissed a girl, ridden a bicycle, thrown a baseball or walked a single step. Five years ago he even lost the ability to chew and swallow his own food and drink. Today, it’s all he can do just to breathe, talk and, of course, smile.

Click HERE or on the image below to read more…

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