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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.

An estimated 23.8% of persons in Alachua County live below the poverty level compared to the 15.6% at the state level. Give6, a new and used video games and console drive, seeks to benefit underprivileged children this holiday season. An initiative of Joshua Joel SMA Life Inc. Give6 aims to improve the quality of life for children ages 1-15 affected by poverty. This collection drive started on Joshua’s birthday - June 10th. On Thursday, July 10, Joshua Joel SMA Life Inc. hosted its “Give6 Video Game Drive Official Launch” at the Children’s Home Society Family Treasures Thrift Shop. Our partners and drop site locations, which include 02B Kids Super Center, Children’s Home Society and the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce were present. All collections will end December 1, 2014.