Hello
Welcome to the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Associaiton of Australia Inc. website. We are dedicated to providing support to those suffering from all types of SMA along with their families! You are not alone!
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a genetic motor neuron disease, which causes the progressive deterioration of motor neurons in the spinal cord. This results in weakness and wasting of the voluntary muscles (atrophy).
This disease can occur in both children and adults.
SMA is the number one genetic killer of children under two years of age!
Sadly there is no known cure at this time either here in Australia or overseas, but there is a great deal of research being performed to help find a cure for this and the many other genetic disorders that affect so many!
Fortunately , there is much we can do in providing the required care along with the many possible treatments becoming available that may help alleviate some of the symptoms to improve the quality of life but not to necessarily extend it!
There are four types of SMA Type one, Type two, Type three and Type four.
The severity of the disease is determined by the age of onset. The earlier symptoms occur, the more severe the condition. No two cases will follow the same course, everyone is different!
For a more detailed explanation of SMA, click on About SMA!
Our Aim
Our aim is to provide a support network for sufferers and their families dealing with SMA here in Australia and overseas.
We are currently in the process of updating our website and hope to have a regular guest speaker in our conference room once a month.Online Conference
This way we can offer each other support and information on possible treatments and care options available here in Australia!
We would love to hear from anyone with ideas for the conference speakers. To make a suggestion please email Julie.
You can either Contact Us by email or phone, speak with us in the Online Conference room or leave a message in the Forum or in the Guestbook
Other Sites
There are many other websites that offer fantastic support and information SMA, and we wish to acknowledge them for the great work they do and also for their great fund raising efforts to help assist those in need and to further research for a cure.
Without duplicating what they already provide, you can visit them by clicking on the Related Sites! link.
We would love to hear from you
If you have a story you want to share, please contact us and we will add it to Your Stories
If you wish to be kept informed of updates etc, please Join our Mailing List!
Brooke,
8th January 2003 - 27th August 2003
A Close Shave...
Congratulations and a big thank you to Joshua Barker of Gisborne in Victoria, who had his head shaved in mid July this year by friends at a youth group function to raise much needed funds for SMAAA.
Joshua spent a few weeks at local shopping centre's approaching people for sponsorship. Joshua's efforts raised $360 for SMAAA. This Association receives no ongoing government funding, so it relies on the generosity of businesses, communities and individuals like Joshua to provide support services and fund critical equipment.
Joshua, your head shaving was a huge fundraising success and you helped make a real difference to sufferers of SMA and their families who are living with the disease.
Again, thank you Joshua for all your hard work. We are truly grateful for your support.
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