Spinal Muscular Atrophy, commonly referred to as SMA, is an inherited disease that destroys the spinal cord nerves that control muscle movement, which affects crawling, walking, head and neck control, and even breathing and swallowing. Although SMA is as common as ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease), it is not nearly as well-known because many of its victims die so young.

Currently, there is no treatment or cure for SMA. However, its cause is well understood and the "problem" gene has been identified. As a result, a cure could be on the horizon, but money is still needed to fund research and to help families that are currently impacted by this tragic disorder.