CINCINNATI, OHIO – Move from Loveland: “Blessing in Disguise”
CINCINNATI, OHIO - The OKI Chapter of the Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) held their "Walk-n-Roll to Cure SMA" at Nisbet Park in Loveland for two years. After two successful "Walks" in Loveland, the group felt the need to move to a location which offered the option of moving indoors in the event of inclement weather. This was an important consideration due to the vulnerable health situation of SMA children who cannot be exposed to rain and cold.
Therefore, in 2005, the "Walk-n-Roll to Cure SMA" moved to the campus of Xavier University with the option of using the concourse of the Cintas Center in the event of rain and cold. Well, this year the weather tested the group on Saturday, April 14, and the Families of SMA responded by moving the "Walk" with its many activities inside the Cintas Center Concourse.
The situation proved to be a blessing in disguise. After two wonderful events at Nisbet Park and the Loveland Bike Trail, the first year on the Xavier Campus seemed to be a "let-down of sorts" in that the atmosphere did not duplicate that of Nisbet Park. But, this year, moving the event indoors, working together against the elements, and offering lots of activities captured the camaraderie and spirit we had in Loveland.
The April 14 "Walk-n-Roll to Cure SMA" raised close to $90,000, all of which goes to research to find a cure or treatment. SMA is the #1 genetic killer of children under the age of two. Children who survive infancy live with only 10 to 20% of the muscle strength of typical children. They cannot walk, crawl, sit without total support, control their trunk and neck, and some cannot swallow or breathe without a ventilator. There is currently no cure for SMA, and the Families of SMA is conducting research to find a cure or treatment -- which research is funded by the "Walks" held by FSMA Chapters across the country.
Comments