Category Archives: SMA News

August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month. It’s that time of year for us to remember those we’ve lost to this insidious disease, like our sweet Andy, and to honor those who are continuing the fight. And, it’s that … Continue reading →

August is recognized internationally as Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness month.  It’s a time when families affected by SMA come together as a unified front, regardless of the specific organizations we support or the philosophies we hold, to raise public awareness … Continue reading →

The month of August has been designated as “SMA Awareness Month.” Several activities are planned throughout Tampa Bay, Florida, (and throughout the nation) to promote SMA awareness, to honor our angels and warriors, and to raise funds for a cure. … Continue reading →

On Saturday, November 19, 2011, “Andy’s Army” will walk together at the FSMA Greater Florida Chapter’s Third Annual Walk-n-Roll in memory of Andy Butler and in support of a cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). The event will take place … Continue reading →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →