What are they?

Muscular Dystrophy (MD) & Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) are genetic diseases that currently don’t have any viable treatment. Often, the patients of these diseases end up bed ridden, and unable to take care of their daily needs. This is a great strain on the lives of the suffers, and also their care takers. These diseases deteriorate not only the functioning of the muscles, but also the spirit of an individual. Many of the patients have great potential mentally, but are trapped in their own bodies.

Muscular Dystrophy is a group of muscle diseases that results in increasing weakening and breakdown of skeletal muscles over time. The disorders differ in which muscles are primarily affected, the degree of weakness, how fast they worsen, and when symptoms begin. Many people will eventually become unable to walk. Some types are also associated with problems in other organs.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a group of neuromuscular disorders that result in the loss of motor neurons and progressive muscle wasting. The severity of symptoms and age of onset varies by the type. Some types are apparent at or before birth while others are not apparent until adulthood. All generally result in worsening muscle weakness associated with muscle twitching. Arm, leg and respiratory muscles are generally affected first. Associated problems may include problems with swallowing, spine curvatures , and joint stiffening. SMA is a leading genetic cause of death in infants.