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. More

Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy is dedicated to creating a treatment and cure by:

•	Funding and advancing a comprehensive research program
•	Supporting SMA families through networking, information and services
•	Improving care for all SMA patients
•	Educating health professionals and the public about SMA
•	Enlisting government support for SMA
•	Embracing all touched by SMA in a caring community

Our vision is a world where Spinal Muscular Atrophy is treatable and curable.

A small group of parents started Families of SMA in 1984. They wanted to raise funds for SMA research to cure the disease, and support all affected families.

Back then, very little was known about Spinal Muscular Atrophy. It was frequently misdiagnosed. Very little research was being conducted. No one knew the cause of the disease let alone how to find a treatment and a cure. There were no family support services and no clinical trials. Patients and families affected by SMA were on their own and had little hope.

Today, FSMA has a different story to tell: Families now have hope. We have raised over $50 million for SMA research. Families of SMA funds and directs the leading SMA research programs. Families of SMA has created hope for our community that did not exist in 1984. Our support comes from generous individual donations and numerous fundraising events held by volunteer families and our chapters.

Click here to see FSMA Results and Progress

We are a non-profit, 501(c)3 tax exempt organization (Federal ID# 36-3320440). Funds are specifically directed to scientific, educational or literary purposes in keeping with a charitable organization. Today we have 29 Chapters throughout the United States and over 70,000 members and supporters. We are a collaborative organization where families and friends and researchers are all working together towards the same goal.

FSMA sponsors the largest Annual International Research Conference devoted entirely to SMA research. Dedicated researchers gather from around the world to share results and exchange ideas, fostering a spirit of cooperation and moving us toward our goal of finding a treatment and cure sooner.

At the same time as the research conference, FSMA sponsors an Annual Conference for Families to learn about the status of SMA research, gain an understanding of the disease, share the latest in disease management techniques, and network with other families and medical professionals.

We encourage everyone touched by SMA to join our organization. All parents of children with SMA, all people directly affected with SMA, all relatives, friends and colleagues of those affected, are welcome to join us as we work together to find a treatment and cure for SMA.