Families and Friends Enjoyed a Day of Exercise and Fundraising for SMA Research

On Saturday, June 12th, the Illinois Chapter of FSMA had our 3rd Annual Walk-n-Roll.  The turn-out was amazing, with 15 SMA families attending the event with over 200 people registered to walk.  We had music, magic and a face painter to entertain the kids.  The walk started under a huge balloon arch, along the path there were signs of SMA facts and pictures of SMA kids.  The SMA kids had instructed the walkers to do something entertaining, for example Jumping Jacks, Give hugs to one another, Hula Hoops (Dad’s were very funny) and blowing bubbles was a big hit for the kids. 

After the walk, medals of honor were given to SMA individuals and siblings.  The medal of “Inspiration” was given to SMA kids, they are the ones that keep us fighting. We see them go through so much and come out with a smile-what courage our kids have!  The second medal of “Strength” was given to sibling of affected SMA individuals, they help support the family.  There is so much stress put on the siblings that sometimes we forget.  SMA does not only affect the individual-it affects the whole family.   The Walk and Roll is a great place for everyone to feel “normal”, exchange information and encourage one another.  It is a great feeling to know we are not alone and that we have friends to lean on!

To see more photos from the event, click here. Thank you to everyone that attended and supported the walk and roll.  See you next year!!