Concert for a Cure

At just 15 months old, our bubbly, bright-eyed blondie Isabella was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Type II. She was a good sitter, but never achieved the ability to crawl, stand or walk.

Our first 2 years after diagnosis were spent in a whirlwind of doctor appointments, meetings with nutritionists, physical therapists, building a therapeutic pool, acquiring new equipment, traveling to Madison WI, drug trials in Salt Lake City and participating in national FSMA conferences. We became avid fundraisers to fund the cure that they promise is close at hand. Jeff joined the FSMA board in 2003 and Melissa serves as the Treasurer of the Minnesota Chapter. We enjoy traveling to SMA fundraisers all over the country and have had a very special connection with the Northern California FSMA Chapter and the Concert for the Cure.

Bella’s Grandpa Gene Andrade assisted with some of the fundraising activities before his passing in November of 2006. The Concert for a Cure is a wonderful, well-organized evening of fun to benefit these special kids. We all love traveling out to the Bay Area to see family and attend the Concert for a Cure. Special thanks to our family in California – Marilyn Andrade, Jolene and Bob Auen, and Shari and Darrin Downum for their continued support in the pursuit of a cure for SMA! A big applause for the McHale and Dindzans families and their dedication to the Concert for a Cure’s continued success!

Bella, now a very social and active 5½ yr. old, loves the freedom of her new power chair. She will start kindergarten in Minnesota this fall.

Kudos to the concert supporters who make this event a success year after year, and who bring hope to all kids like Bella.

Fondly,

Jeff, Melissa, Bella & Nicolas Andrade
Wayzata, MN