Date of Birth: 06/3/2000  * Passed away April 2008 **

Main Diagnosis: SMA or Spinal Muscular Atrophy

 

SMA is a muscular disease passed on genetically to children by their parents. It is a "recessive" genetic disease, meaning that BOTH parents must carry the recessive SMA gene. There is only a 25% chance each pregnancy of the child having SMA and a 75% chance each pregnancy that the child will be healthy. One out of 40 people is a carrier of this recessive gene. The brain is not affected, and they have been tested to have at least average to above average intelligence. Their bodies may not be perfect, but their minds are, so be sure to treat them that way! SMA affects a child's muscular development.

Skylar was diagnosed with SMA at four months of age.