Dear Friends:

There are a great many worthwhile causes in need of your support, and we at the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Research Team (SMART)would like to encourage you to become a SMART supporter – consider it the SMART thing to do!

What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)?

SMA is a genetic, degenerative neuromuscular disease that debilitates muscle function.  It is the #1 genetic cause of death in children less than 2 years old.  1 in 35 people carry a copy of the gene that causes SMA.  There is no cure, but thanks to cutting-edge research, there are now 3 approved treatments for SMA that help partially stop the disease in its tracks. But we have far more to do as the needs of SMA patients are still significant!

What is SMART and its mission?

SMART is a grassroots organization started in 2009 to raise awareness and funds for research aimed at finding a cure for SMA & related diseases.  Our mission is one of HOPE for a better life, new treatments, and ultimately a cure for those affected by SMA. 

How does SMART work?

SMART is an all-volunteer organization of friends & family – no team members are compensated.  SMART is primarily funded by individual contributions & through the support of organizations such as our presenting sponsor The Buffalo Professional Firefighters Association Local 282.

What does SMART fund?

SMART research grants have helped fund ground-breaking research of renowned SMA investigators at Johns Hopkins University, Harvard, Northwestern University, University at Rochester & most recently at the University of Notre Dame.  SMART also assists SMA families with financial hardships.  

What can you do to be a part of SMART’s mission?

Please consider making a donation to help us fund difficult research and help families affected by SMA. CLICK HERE to make a donation.  

Importantly, SMART is a recognized non-profit 501c organization (Tax Id # 32-0284955), which means that all donations are tax-deductible.

As always, we are humbled by your incredible generosity and support and we know that together, we will help find a cure for SMA.

Sincerely,

The SMART Committee

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF OUR EFFORTS