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Get ready to spread awareness and support for those affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) during the entire month of August, which is officially recognized as SMA Awareness Month. This debilitating genetic disease affects the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord, leading to progressive muscle weakness and loss of movement. But despite its challenges, the SMA community remains strong and united in their fight against this condition. Throughout the month, you can show your support by learning more about SMA, sharing information, and participating in fundraising events. Let's come together and make a positive impact on those living with SMA!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1891</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>SMA First Described</div><div class='timeline-text'>Spinal Muscular Atrophy was first medically described by German physician Guido Werdnig.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1956</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>SMA Types Defined</div><div class='timeline-text'>Scientists identified and categorized the four types of SMA: Type I, II, III, and IV, based on age at onset and maximum function achieved.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1995</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>SMN1 Gene Identified</div><div class='timeline-text'>Scientists discovered the SMN1 gene, the main cause of most cases of SMA.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2007</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>August as SMA Awareness Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>August was officially recognized as Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness month to increase awareness and understanding about this disease.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First SMA Treatment Approved</div><div class='timeline-text'>The FDA approved Spinraza (nusinersen), the first drug treatment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2019</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Gene Therapy for SMA</div><div class='timeline-text'>The FDA approved Zolgensma, a one-time gene therapy for kids under 2 with SMA.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a fundraising event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Host a charity event, such as a walk-a-thon or a silent auction, to raise awareness and funds for Spinal Muscular Atrophy research and support services.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share educational materials</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spread awareness by sharing educational materials about Spinal Muscular Atrophy with your friends, family, and community. This could include pamphlets, infographics, or online resources.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Wear purple</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Purple is the official color for Spinal Muscular Atrophy awareness. Show your support by wearing something purple, such as a t-shirt, bracelet, or ribbon throughout the month.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Start a social media campaign</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use social media platforms to spread awareness about Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Share facts, personal stories, and ways to get involved using hashtags like #SMAAwarenessMonth or #CureSMA.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a local organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a local organization that supports individuals and families affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy and offer your time and support as a volunteer. This is a great way to make a direct impact in your community.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Raising awareness for a rare disease</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a relatively unknown disease, but it affects thousands of people worldwide. By dedicating an entire month to raising awareness, we can shed light on this debilitating condition and educate others about its impact.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Creating a sense of community</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By participating in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month, individuals and families affected by SMA can come together and support one another. This sense of community provides comfort and strength during difficult times, while also showing those affected that they are not alone.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Fundraising for research</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>One of the main objectives of SMA Awareness Month is to raise funds for research towards finding a cure. By bringing attention to the disease and its effects, we can encourage more people to donate and support organizations working towards a cure. Every little bit helps in the fight against SMA!</p></div></div>
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month is celebrated on August 1 every year. In 2024, it will fall on a Thursday.
2023
Aug 1
Tuesday
2024
Aug 1
Thursday
2025
Aug 1
Friday
2026
Aug 1
Saturday
2027
Aug 1
Sunday
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