Charitable Contributions

Imagine. For nine months, you eagerly await the arrival of your precious one. You dream of tea parties and baseball games. You dream of teaching - ways to tie shoelaces, ride a bike and kiss booboos to make everything alright. Can you imagine being robbed of these anticipated memories because your baby is born atrophied - unable to lift his/her head, unable to cry audibly and unable to speak your name, ever?

On June 2008, this hypothetical scenario became ‘all too real’ for Ian and Patrice Fletcher when they gave birth to Joshua Joel Fletcher. At three months old, Joshua was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Approximately 1 in 6000 babies born are affected with SMA and about 1 in 40 individuals are genetic carriers. Learn more about Joshua Joel SMA Life Inc.

Welcome to Joshua Joel SMA Life Inc.

Joshua Joel SMA Life, Inc.’s mandate is to campaign for funding for the advancement of a comprehensive research program and cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy.  It is our purpose to help accelerate the development of a treatment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), the number one genetic killer of infants and toddlers.

We strive to increase overall awareness about SMA, educate the medical community about SMA care and research by hosting continuing medical education seminars and assist families with children of SMA by sharing tutorials and first-hand experiences, serving as a conduit to resources and advocating for patient rights. We also strive to positively impact quality of living for disadvantaged children and youth.

What is SMA?

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a motor neuron disease. The motor neurons affect the voluntary muscles that are used for activities such as crawling, walking, head and neck control, and swallowing. It is a relatively common "rare disorder": approximately 1 in 6000 babies born are affected, and 7.5 million people are genetic carriers.

Leading researchers estimate a treatment for SMA could be reached in five years with funding. Joshua Joel SMA Life Inc. is dedicated to the advancement of a comprehensive research program and cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), the number one genetic killer of infants and toddlers. There have been many researchers around the world who have worked to find a cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Research helps to save lives and has propelled SMA to where it is today. But there is still much work to be done.

How you can help advance SMA research?

Support Joshua Joel SMA Life Inc. as a(n)...

• • Annual Partner (revolving donations)

  • One-time Donor/Sponsor

    • Individual gifts - individual gifts (72% of total giving) is the largest source of charitable giving; therefore, every cent positions Joshua Joel SMA Life Inc. for success.

    • Hosting a fundraiser - fundraisers are fun and rewarding and involves your community in supporting Joshua Joel SMA Life Inc.

  • Ambassador/Volunteer/Advocate

We are so thankful for your consideration of supporting Joshua Joel SMA Life Inc. We do not take your commitment lightly. Your commitment and donations will empower Joshua Joel SMA Life to do the following:

• • Increase overall awareness about SMA

  • Advance SMA care and research

  • Host medical education seminars

  • Develop local community initiatives

Programs

Through previous community support of its annual Give6 video game drive, Joshua Joel SMA Life Inc. donated quality gifts to local, disadvantaged youth for Christmas two years in a row and plans to continue impacting lives by hosting an upcoming SMA education seminar for the medical society in 2016.

For more information about Joshua Joel SMA Life Inc., Spinal Muscular Atrophy or upcoming programs,

visit www.jojosmalife.com.