Matteo's fight against SMA
Donation protected
Nicole and Derwin got married November 20th, 2011. They agreed they would enjoy their time as husband and wife before starting a family. After 3 happy years of marriage bliss and some travel they decided it was time to add a new member to their family. In November 2014 they were glad to announce that the time had come, Nicole was PREGNANT! After their first doctor’s appointment, hearing a little heart beat made the news more official than ever. As the weeks passed they finally found out they were having a little boy they would name Matteo Lucas Almeida. They also found out they were both carriers of the SMA (spinal muscular atrophy) gene which in short is a disease that robs people of physical strength by affecting the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord, taking away the ability to walk, eat, or breathe. It is the number one genetic cause of death for infants. (For more information on SMA click the link attached http://www.curesma.org/sma/about-sma/ )
Terrified of what tests would reveal, they decided to test Nicole’s Amniotic fluids in hopes that Matteo would be okay despite their negative results. Weeks passed and the result were finally in... Their worst fear had just come true, Matteo tested positive for SMA. Although they were given options, Nicole and Derwin knew that the beginning of a whole new life was starting for them. They have good days and bad days but most of all they have faith and hope to keep their sprits high so Matteo can have the best shot at life.
Nicole is due at the end of July and although one prays for a miracle, they are also trying to prepare themselves for the challenges ahead. Nicole has been communicating with the SMA community and is hoping to get medical treatment once he is born. Unfortunately, that will require time off from work, possible relocation, and a lot of travel. Not to mention the medical bills and special equipment that might be needed.
Please help, by donating to help with her medical bills, possible physical and occupational therapy, treatments and equipment. $1, $5, $10, anything counts even if it’s by spreading the word on the cause. Along with monetary support, we ask you to keep Matteo and his parents in your prayers and in your hearts.
Thank you,
Anny Noratto
Terrified of what tests would reveal, they decided to test Nicole’s Amniotic fluids in hopes that Matteo would be okay despite their negative results. Weeks passed and the result were finally in... Their worst fear had just come true, Matteo tested positive for SMA. Although they were given options, Nicole and Derwin knew that the beginning of a whole new life was starting for them. They have good days and bad days but most of all they have faith and hope to keep their sprits high so Matteo can have the best shot at life.
Nicole is due at the end of July and although one prays for a miracle, they are also trying to prepare themselves for the challenges ahead. Nicole has been communicating with the SMA community and is hoping to get medical treatment once he is born. Unfortunately, that will require time off from work, possible relocation, and a lot of travel. Not to mention the medical bills and special equipment that might be needed.
Please help, by donating to help with her medical bills, possible physical and occupational therapy, treatments and equipment. $1, $5, $10, anything counts even if it’s by spreading the word on the cause. Along with monetary support, we ask you to keep Matteo and his parents in your prayers and in your hearts.
Thank you,
Anny Noratto
Organizer and beneficiary
Nicole Diego Almeida
Organizer
Miami, FL
Nicole Almeida
Beneficiary