Welcome to the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Association 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 rare, inherited disease that results in the loss of nerves in the spinal cord and weakness of the muscles connected with those nerves. The muscles most frequently affected are those of the neck and trunk that control posture, those of the leg and arm that control movement, and those of the area of the ribs that help breathing.
People with SMA generally appear normal at birth; the symptoms develop as early as three months in the most severely affected, around one to two years of age in the moderately affected, and more rarely in the late childhood or adult years in mildly affected individuals.
There is no known treatment for SMA; historically, nearly half of babies born with the most severe form of the disease have died before aged two. All people with SMA have a higher than normal risk for progressive disability. The most severely affected are at risk for breathing complications and premature death. No two cases will follow the same course, everyone is different!
SMA IS THE NUMBER 1 GENETIC KILLER OF CHILDREN UNDER 2 YEARS OF AGE!
Yet very few people have ever heard of it, and 1 in 40 people carry the gene
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!
For a more detailed explanation of SMA, click on About SMA
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare, inherited disease that results in the loss of nerves in the spinal cord and weakness of the muscles connected with those nerves. The muscles most frequently affected are those of the neck and trunk that control posture, those of the leg and arm that control movement, and those of the area of the ribs that help breathing.
People with SMA generally appear normal at birth; the symptoms develop as early as three months in the most severely affected, around one to two years of age in the moderately affected, and more rarely in the late childhood or adult years in mildly affected individuals.
There is no known treatment for SMA; historically, nearly half of babies born with the most severe form of the disease have died before aged two. All people with SMA have a higher than normal risk for progressive disability. The most severely affected are at risk for breathing complications and premature death. No two cases will follow the same course, everyone is different!
SMA IS THE NUMBER 1 GENETIC KILLER OF CHILDREN UNDER 2 YEARS OF AGE!
Yet very few people have ever heard of it, and 1 in 40 people carry the gene
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!
For a more detailed explanation of SMA, click on About SMA
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Association of Australia Inc.
The Spinal Muscular Atrophy Association of Australia Inc. is a registered Non Profit Organisation with the ATO with Tax exemption and DGR Status in Australia. ABN : 82 885 991 569
The Spinal Muscular Atrophy Association of Australia Inc. is a registered Non Profit Organisation with the ATO with Tax exemption and DGR Status in Australia. ABN : 82 885 991 569
Our Aim
Our aim is to provide a support network for sufferers and their families dealing with SMA here in Australia and overseas. We also aim to be leaders in bringing the most up to date research information and support services to families and sufferers of SMA.
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
Our aim is to provide a support network for sufferers and their families dealing with SMA here in Australia and overseas. We also aim to be leaders in bringing the most up to date research information and support services to families and sufferers of SMA.
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
Copyright 2008 SMAAA
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
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!
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!
Welcome
