Alexis Villa of California, born in 1995, has type 3 SMA. She uses leg braces most of the time, and occasionally a wheelchair for longer distances. She loves going to MDA summer camp and is seen regularly at an MDA clinic. Introduction Questions and Answers Does It Run in the Family? MDA's Search for Treatments and Cures MDA Is Here to Help You _________________ A Family Guide to the Consensus Statement for Standard of Care in Spinal Muscular Atrophy (PDF)

MDA IS HERE TO HELP YOU

The Muscular Dystrophy Association offers a vast array of services to help you and your family deal with SMA or SBMA. The staff at your local MDA office can assist you in many ways. The Association’s services include:

• a nationwide network of 225 hospital-affiliated clinics staffed by top neuromuscular disease specialists

• professionally facilitated support groups

• assistance with purchase and repair of wheelchairs, leg braces and augmentative communication devices

• evaluations for physical, occupational and respiratory therapy

• flu shots to help protect the respiratory system

• equipment loan closets

MDA’s public health education program helps you to stay abreast of research news, medical findings and disability information related to SMA.

At MDA’s Web site, www.mda.org, you’ll find news and online chats.

Many of MDA’s publications about living with neuromuscular diseases are available in Spanish and English. Everyone registered with MDA also receives Quest, MDA’s bimonthly national magazine.

If you have any questions about SMA, someone at MDA will help you find the answer.

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