If you know PatientsLikeMe, you know that neurological conditions take us all the way back to our beginning. Stephen Heywood, the brother of our founders Ben and Jamie, was diagnosed with ALS back in 1998 at age 29. Today, almost ten years after PatientsLikeMe was created, thousands of members living with ALS and other neurological disorders are sharing their stories and donating health data to help improve the lives of others and contribute to medical research. And in the spirit of Stephen and everyone living with these conditions, we’re recognizing Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month this August.
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) affects the nerves responsible for movement, including breathing and other bodily functions. It is inherited through genes passed on by parents who are carriers of the genetic code.
SMA affects people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. There are four types of SMA – Types 1, 2 and 3 all affect children and adolescents, while type 4 is usually limited to those above the age of 35. And although SMA is classified as a rare condition, think about this: SMA affects approximately 1 in every 6,000 babies, and about 1 in 50 people are carriers for the condition.1
So what can you do this August to raise awareness for SMA? Orange and purple are the two colors designated for SMA awareness, so wear or display them and let people know why you are! The Families of SMA (FSMA) also organizes many awareness events around the world, everything from walks to dinners to Bowl-A-Thons. Check out their website and find an event near you.
Share this post on twitter and help spread the word for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month.
1 http://www.fsma.org/FSMACommunity/understandingsma/quickfacts/
