Strong Will for Journeys Long
Donation protected
Dennis and Sheila Bickford’s beloved grandson, Archie; son to Sue and Scott Falkner; and big brother to baby Lily became diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) type 2 when Archie was just 18 months of age. Archie will turn four in April.
SMA is the leading genetic killer of infants and toddlers and is a muscle wasting condition similar to motor neurones disease.
SMA affects a person’s ability to crawl and walk, to move their arms, hands, head and neck, as well as their breathing and swallowing.
At this point Archie has fairly strong upper body strength and he pursues one on one swimming lessons, does horse riding and rides his small chariot wheelchair known as his wheelchair bike which we hope all helps to maintain his upper body strength. However his finer motor skills are affected as well as his legs causing him to never walk.
As Archie gets older his daily assisted living needs will become increasingly demanding with the need for specialised equipment. This includes: wheelchairs, power wheelchair on top of his current manual wheelchairs, plus a new vehicle to accommodate as well as hoists, bath and toilet aids to mention but a few.
SMA is caused by a fault in a gene called Survival Motor Neuron 1 (SMN1). This gene carries the information required for the production of an important protein. When there is not enough of this protein, the nerve cells that help control the muscles for moving and breathing become damaged.
Any donations received will go directly to fund essential equipment to aid Archie through his fight against SMA and his strong will for journeys long! Archie will be very grateful for any small donation you can afford. Please also feel free to share amongst your family and friends!
SMA is the leading genetic killer of infants and toddlers and is a muscle wasting condition similar to motor neurones disease.
SMA affects a person’s ability to crawl and walk, to move their arms, hands, head and neck, as well as their breathing and swallowing.
At this point Archie has fairly strong upper body strength and he pursues one on one swimming lessons, does horse riding and rides his small chariot wheelchair known as his wheelchair bike which we hope all helps to maintain his upper body strength. However his finer motor skills are affected as well as his legs causing him to never walk.
As Archie gets older his daily assisted living needs will become increasingly demanding with the need for specialised equipment. This includes: wheelchairs, power wheelchair on top of his current manual wheelchairs, plus a new vehicle to accommodate as well as hoists, bath and toilet aids to mention but a few.
SMA is caused by a fault in a gene called Survival Motor Neuron 1 (SMN1). This gene carries the information required for the production of an important protein. When there is not enough of this protein, the nerve cells that help control the muscles for moving and breathing become damaged.
Any donations received will go directly to fund essential equipment to aid Archie through his fight against SMA and his strong will for journeys long! Archie will be very grateful for any small donation you can afford. Please also feel free to share amongst your family and friends!
Organizer
Sue Falkner
Organizer
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