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Author Archives: admin

Getting Healthy

Posted on April 8, 2011 by admin

I am an emotional eater. So, it’s no surprise that I gained a lot of weight as we dealt with our son Andy’s diagnosis with SMA and his passing in 2009. Then, I gained even more when I got pregnant … Continue reading →

Posted in Family News, News, SMA News | 1 Comment

Amazing Friends

Posted on March 4, 2011 by admin

Recently, a friend of mine from high school, Deb Shoman Young, contacted me about a fundraising idea.  After having two beautiful, healthy baby girls, she is ready to get back in shape…and she’d like to get sponsors for her weight … Continue reading →

Posted in News, SMA News | 1 Comment

Getting Over the Fear

Posted on February 17, 2011 by admin

Bill Strong just wrote a post called “Getting Out With Gwendolyn…At Some Point, We Just Started Living” (http://www.gwendolynstrong.com/2011/02/getting-out-with-gwendolyn-at-some-point-we-just-started-living.html). If you don’t know who Bill Strong is, you should. He’s the dad of an amazing little girl named Gwendolyn, who happens … Continue reading →

Posted in Family News, News | 6 Comments

Happy Second Birthday, Andy!

Posted on January 8, 2011 by admin

This poem was published  in the December 2010 issue of FSMA’s Directions magazine. It perfectly captures how we hope Andy is celebrating his second birthday in heaven today – he always loved a party! A Birthday Celebration in Heaven I … Continue reading →

Posted in Family News, News | 2 Comments

Learning to Celebrate Christmas Again

Posted on December 24, 2010 by admin

It’s the early morning of Christmas Eve. I should be enjoying another hour or so of sleep before my daughter Lucy wakes up, but I can’t. I should be excited for Christmas, but I’m not. I just don’t know how … Continue reading →

Posted in Family News, News | 6 Comments

Thanksgiving 2010

Posted on November 24, 2010 by admin

Tomorrow we celebrate Thanksgiving, and I’m thinking about all for which I am thankful. On the surface, there is so much – I have a good job that allows me to work from home while I take care of our … Continue reading →

Posted in Family News, News | 3 Comments

The Little Things

Posted on September 18, 2010 by admin

It’s been more than 15 months since Andy passed away due to aspiration pneumonia caused by spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). On most days, I feel like I’m getting better at coping with the life he left behind. Thanks in large … Continue reading →

Posted in Family News, News | 5 Comments

This is SMA

Posted on September 16, 2010 by admin

Today, I took our daughter Lucy to her two-month “well baby” check-up at the pediatrician. She was weighed and measured, her milestones were checked, and several vaccines were administered. We laughed as she showed off her head and neck control … Continue reading →

Posted in News, SMA News | 3 Comments

Join Team Andy’s Army at the 2nd Annual Greater Florida FSMA Walk-N-Roll!

Posted on August 28, 2010 by admin

UPDATE: With approximately 70 walkers and donors, Andy’s Army surpassed $2,300 in contributions to the FSMA Greater Florida Chapter’s Second Annual Walk-n-Roll, making our team the top fundraiser! Overall, the event raised more than $23,000 to fight SMA, and we … Continue reading →

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The Little Dragonfly

Posted on August 15, 2010 by admin

This poem was written in Andy’s memory by his Nana, based on the well-known dragonfly story.  A beautiful poem for a beautiful boy, who always sends us dragonflies to let us know he’s near.

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For Lucy

Posted on July 31, 2010 by admin

We have to share this amazingly beautiful poem, written by our friend Lynn Agnew, in honor of the birth of our daughter, Lucy Catherine, and her big brother, Andy. A patient wait and fluttered wings A promise of such blessed … Continue reading →

Posted in Family News, News | 1 Comment

July is a Month of Miracles

Posted on July 24, 2010 by admin

July was a wonderful month for our family and for our cause! Our daughter, Lucy Catherine, was born on July 15, 2010, at 8:08 AM.  She weighed 10 pounds, 5 ounces at birth and measured 21.5 inches. We named her … Continue reading →

Posted in News, SMA News | 1 Comment

Treasure Tavern Donates $2,250 to FSMA

Posted on July 11, 2010 by admin

Your votes continue to make a difference! The Greater Florida Chapter of Families of SMA received a $2,250 check on Saturday, July 10, from the Treasure Tavern in Orlando for winning their Grand Opening online voting contest.  Thank you to … Continue reading →

Posted in News, SMA News | 1 Comment

Thank you for “Spreading Your Warmth”

Posted on June 8, 2010 by admin

Thank you all for voting for Andy’s Army in the Sweatshirt Blanket “Spread Your Warmth” campaign. After a tight competition, we are thrilled to let you know that both Andy’s Army and CranioKids will be awarded prizes!!! Two great causes … Continue reading →

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A Letter to Andy on His First Angel Day

Posted on June 4, 2010 by admin

My precious baby boy, One year ago today on June 4, 2009, at 5:05 PM, you look your last breath. You left this world surrounded by love, just as you came into it a mere 20 weeks, 5 hours and … Continue reading →

Posted in Family News, News | 11 Comments

$1650 Raised at Greater Florida FSMA “Friends and Family” Picnic

Posted on May 26, 2010 by admin

Thank you so much to everyone who participated – and donated – in the second annual Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (FSMA) of Greater Florida Family & Friends Spring Picnic Fundraiser on May 22. It was wonderful to spend such … Continue reading →

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Stop SMA’s Grant Funding to Support Dr. Swoboda’s Research

Posted on April 25, 2010 by admin

Every day in March, members of Andy’s Army took a few moments to place an online vote for Stop SMA  in the $250K  Pepsi Refresh Project. Thanks to your support, Stop SMA now is an official grant recipient. The non-profit … Continue reading →

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For Abby

Posted on April 17, 2010 by admin

Today we learned that Andy’s friend, Abby Judge, lost her battle with SMA. A brave fighter, Abby was 21 months old. I have been e-mailing her mom, Laurie, just this week about the realities that we face when confronted by … Continue reading →

Posted in Family News, News | 1 Comment

Andy’s Army Featured in TV Documentary

Posted on April 10, 2010 by admin

The producers of the award-winning “Florida Crossroads” documentary series, which airs statewide on PBS stations, dedicated a half-hour episode of the series to telling Andy’s story, along with the stories of several other families in the Tampa Bay Area who … Continue reading →

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Please Sign the Petition to Cure SMA!

Posted on April 8, 2010 by admin

Andy should have celebrated his 15-month birthday today, if not for SMA. Please think of him – and all of the children with this disease – and please sign the Petition to Cure SMA at www.PetitionToCureSMA.com. This petition is in … Continue reading →

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