Good News from Tracey

In the world of disability, anytime I hear about a new treatment that improves someone’s physical limitations, I can’t help but get excited. It’s how I felt when I learned that my co-worker Tracey is embarking on a treatment that may improve her spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic condition which affects the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord. Typically, SMA results in the gradual increase of muscle weakness. Yet just over a year and a half ago, the FDA approved the first ever treatment for SMA and Tracey is opting for it! The drug, Spinraza, has been shown to stop the progression of SMA.

As Tracey says, those three little words “stop the progression” have a huge ripple effect on anyone diagnosed with SMA. August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month, and in honor of that, Tracey has shared more about the disease and her winning attitude in an interview on the Joni and Friends blog. Go give it a quick read, and then be in prayer for Tracey! The treatment ahead of her will not be easy, but the potential results are so hopeful! One more thing. If you know someone with SMA, don’t forget to tell them about this amazing new option!