2015 SPONSORSHIP

Sponsorship Opportunity

About Joshua:

Joshua Joel Fletcher defied all odds.

He was his sister’s biggest fan, traveling from competitions and shows throughout Florida cities to watch her dance. Every birthday, he enjoyed the taste of cake icing his father would sneak him without his mother watching. Every night, he refused to fall asleep until the last words he heard were his mother’s praying over him. Before she could even finish, he eased into sleep knowing that – no matter what – all things would be okay.

Joshua Joel Fletcher was born on June 10, 2008 to parents, Ian and Patrice Fletcher and older sister, Julia. After 3 months, he was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, what some may describe as a death sentence. In September 2009, doctors predicted that Joshua would not have long to live and asked his parents to make a quality of life decision. Against all odds, his parents choose life for Joshua.  Sadly, Joshua’s journey came to an end on October 12, 2013.

Joshua Joel SMA Life Inc. seeks to improve quality of life for all children - those suffering from medical ailments, those suffering from poverty and those yearning for accompaniment. An initiative of Joshua Joel SMA Life Inc. Give6, a new and used video games drive, aims to improve the quality of life for children ages 1-15 affected by poverty and yearning for social interactions.

About Joshua Joel SMA Life Inc.:

Joshua Joel SMA Life Inc. is located in Gainesville, Florida. Founded in 2012, this nonprofit organization 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. Its mission is to accelerate the development of a treatment for SMA.

About Spinal Muscular Atrophy (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 about 1 in 40 people are genetic carriers. SMA affects muscles throughout the body. Weakness in the legs is generally greater than in the arms. Sometimes feeding and swallowing can be affected. Involvement of respiratory muscles can lead to an increased tendency for pneumonia and other lung problems. Sensation and the ability to feel are not affected. Intellectual activity is normal and it is often observed that patients with SMA are unusually bright and sociable. Patients are generally grouped into one of four categories, based on certain key motor function milestones.

What’s Next?

There will be several events held throughout the city of Gainesville to encourage donation of video games and consoles; however, we are in need of sponsors, like you. There are several ways your company can become involved and supportive of this initiative.

We are seeking more companies to host mini-drives. We would like to ensure that as many children as possible enjoy their Christmas holiday this year. This effort can only be successful if more people are aware and more people donate to the cause.

We are also in need of monetary funds. Funding will benefit the initiative in the following ways:

• • Refurbishing the hardware and software

  • Purchasing missing accessories to ensure that each gift is a complete package for child(ren) to enjoy

  • Wrapping paper and gift presentation materials to ensure that each gift is a surprise for each child

  • Renting a facility and hosting the Gift-Away in December for all children and their families to enjoy quality time together

Sponsorship Benefits

Gifts and/or donations are tax deductible. Joshua Joel SMA Life Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity. Its tax identification number is 45-4145005