Featured Friend for November 2010

Introducing:



Leah Jean Miller was born September 29, 2004. She has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) type 1. Leah was born a “normal” child. She laughed, cried, played and enjoyed every minute, but at 5 months old she was not progressing like normal children. She started Physical therapy because Drs. thought she was a lazy baby, but as a precaution she was sent to see a Neurologist. She was tested for many things. In July of 2005 she was diagnosed with SMA- Prognosis 2 years. We were devastated, but we vowed to give Leah the most normal life possible. Leah got sick in November, and spent 3 months in the Hospital- getting treatments, G-tube surgery and learning her new way of life. She went home till April. On April 22nd 2006 Leah coded at home. She stopped breathing for 10 minutes. She was in a coma, given no hope, Drs. said a choice had to be made, and 5 minutes later she woke up. Leah lost many things from this “episode” some of which she has never regained, but she has regained her passion for life, and the ability to touch the hearts of everyone she meets.

There is Hope.

We continue to be amazed by the medical advancements in Gene Therapy that are being made at Ohio State University. We Pray that one day soon there will be a cure.

Objective

We live one day at a time making each day the best it can possibly be. On September 29, 2010 Leah Celebrated her 6th Birthday. Many SMA kids never make it this far. It is our hope that we can spread the word, and raise enough money to one day END this disease. By donating YOU can make a difference.



A little more about Leah:

Leah is as fancy as they come. She is very much of a girly- girl. She loves books, music, cooking shopping, and CHAPSTICK. Leah’s body limits her to what she can do on her own, but she has plenty of people that are willing to help her reach all her goals. SMA is a life threatening disease, but it does not take the fun out of her life. She continues to thrive mentally. Our family may be a little different. Leah has to have cough assist treatments twice a day, wears a bi-pap mask to bed, rides in a wheelchair, but there is nothing different about the hope we have for her to live a long and happy life. All we need is a cure!

PLEASE DONATE!

To donate, please locate the "Donate Here" tab, on the far right at the top of the page, to have funds directed towards this groundbreaking research in SMA.
Please mark on your donation via computer or check memo...

IN HONOR of Leah Jean

so we can track the donations!



In Closing...

Thank you for you time and support for Leah and all of these AMAZING kids! With Faith anything is possible & with your help and support one day we will find a cure! For additional information on the OSU ground breaking research on SMA, please visit the Miracle for Madison website, by clicking HERE.

Lots of Luv,
Scott, Nikki & Leah Jean Miller

Featured Friend for September 2010

INTRODUCTION:
Hi, this is Roman Anderson. He was born on May 11th 2007, and was 8lbs 4ozs and 21.25 inches long. When he was just 4 weeks old I noticed he was more floppy than most babies so I spoke with his pediatrician. The doctor sent a referral to Cincinnati Children’s neurologist and we made an appointment for July 12th. But we were not able to wait that long. On July 8^th 2007, Roman was rushed to the hospital because he wasn’t breathing. The hospital ran so many tests, including one for Spinal Muscular Atrophy, SMA. By a few days after that admission, everyone was fairly certain that Roman had SMA type I.

There is HOPE:
Ohio State University and Nationwide Children’s Hospital, in Columbus, Ohio, have been spearheading ground breaking Gene Therapy research that has proved "effective" in animal models! In addition, recent reports have stated that SMA is the "closest genetic disorder to a cure"…This is truly inspiring for families and individuals who have been battling this condition for years.

OBJECTIVE:
Roman celebrated his 3rd birthday in May of 2010. We cherish every day we have with him and are so thankful that we have had 3 years after being told that we may only have months! So we will continue to make everyone of his days great for him! By donating to Miracle for Madison & Friends, in honor of Roman, you’re helping us find a cure him and the thousands of other people!

A little more about Roman:
Roman is a typical 3 year old boy. He idolizes his big brother, Austin, and his Daddy, Matt. Toy Story, SpongeBob, flying with his family for the first time to California, and arts & crafts are also favorites. Roman absolutely loves school and learning. When he isn’t busy creating artwork, watching Daddy and Austin play basketball, he loves driving his power wheelchair and playing baseball on his team, the Pirates. Roman could not adore anyone more than his Mommy, who is constantly challenging herself and Roman to try new things. He’s also learning to communicate his desires and needs with his communications device, called an Echo. Although Roman may appear to be extremely physically limited by SMA, he leads a very full life. He can’t do a lot independently but, at age 3, Roman has experienced & enjoyed a lot more of life than many people do in a lifetime.

PLEASE DONATE!
To donate, please locate the "Donate Here" tab, on the far right at the top of the Friends in the Fight page, to have funds directed towards this groundbreaking research in SMA.
Please mark on your donation via computer or check memo...

IN HONOR of ROMAN A.

so we can track the donations!

In Closing...
We sincerely THANK YOU for considering making a donation in honor of Roman. We hope that in addition to a donation, you will consider spreading the awareness of SMA. With your help, we can be a part of a great miracle – a cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy – a cure for Roman and his friends!
For additional information on the OSU ground breaking research on SMA, please visit the Miracle for Madison website, by clicking HERE!

Love
The Anderson Family
Susie, Matt, Austin, & Roman

Featured Friend for July 2010

INTRODUCTION:
Karah was born in March 2007 and by August 2007 she was diagnosed w/ SMA Type1. SMA has no cure nor treatment and sadly as many as 90% of SMA type1 children die by age 2.

There is HOPE:
Ohio State has ground breaking research that is proving "effective"!
And recent reports have SMA as the quote "closest genetic disorder to a cure"
Type 1 clinical trials could start w/in the next 18months.....

Walk for a CURE:
In August we will walk among friends and family to support kids like Karah and help fund research to find a CURE! We ask for your help in donations to help us reach that goal!

OBJECTIVE:
Karah celebrated her 3rd birthday in March 2010, surpassing many other SMA children who have sadly earned their angel wings; By donating and helping us find a cure for SMA, you can help her and the thousands of other children afflicted w/ this terrible disease, grow up and have a better quality of life!

A little more about Karah:
Karah is a typical 3 year old; she loves her sister and brother, barney, littlest pet shop, and dress up....Her physical disabilities are quite limiting yet SMA does not affect her brain! Her daily care is much more demanding than a non-SMA child and she does require skilled care around the clock--- However even w/ all that she is a very happy, loving girl who loves life! and we would not change anything, except find a cure!

PLEASE DONATE!
To donate, please locate the "Donate Here" tab, on the far right at the top of the page, to have funds directed towards this groundbreaking research in SMA.
Please mark on your donation via computer or check memo...

IN HONOR of KARAH B.

so we can track the donations!

In Closing...
We sincerely THANK YOU for your donation and for spreading the awareness of SMA....
For additional information on the OSU ground breaking research on SMA, please visit the Miracle for Madison website, by clicking HERE!

Donate HERE!

Love
The Barry Family