A Future for Cole
Donation protected
Hello, my name is Cole Pringle and I have Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
What is SMA?
SMA is a genetic, degenerative, neuromuscular disorder that affects strengths and control of muscles. Infants diagnosed with SMA rarely live beyond 2 years of age. My diagnosis came at18 months and my parents were told that I would not live into my teens. Imagine watching yourself slowly lose the ability to do things that most people take for granted. Simple tasks like lifting a glass to my mouth are now impossible. Soon it will rob me of my ability to speak, swallow, and finally breathe. Despite all this, I will be turning 32 this year and I continue to fight, making the most out of life. I am a University of Regina graduate, now working in a career I enjoy, and am a member of the CureSMA community.
Hope on the Horizon
In December 2016, the lives of myself and my family changed when we learned that a new drug, Spinraza, had been developed and approved for use in the United States. Spinraza has been proven to halt and reverse the effects of SMA. In July 2017, Health Canada approved its use for all those afflicted with SMA. Unfortunately, after a year of waiting, it is still uncertain if Spinraza will ever be available through Canada's healthcare system. Spinraza carries a hefty price tag of $120,000 per injection but is the only known treatment for SMA. Although ongoing treatment is required, with a single dose the degeneration can be halted, ensuring that my ability to breathe will not diminish further, and after a second dose I will be able to start getting back lost abilities. Time is not a luxury SMA patients can afford and it is crucial to receive treatment as soon as possible.
A Brighter Future
There is still so much living I want to do and things I want to accomplish. 100% of the money received through Go Fund Me will go towards the cost of Spinraza. If you want to know more about me and my life, I can be found on Facebook.  
What is SMA?
SMA is a genetic, degenerative, neuromuscular disorder that affects strengths and control of muscles. Infants diagnosed with SMA rarely live beyond 2 years of age. My diagnosis came at18 months and my parents were told that I would not live into my teens. Imagine watching yourself slowly lose the ability to do things that most people take for granted. Simple tasks like lifting a glass to my mouth are now impossible. Soon it will rob me of my ability to speak, swallow, and finally breathe. Despite all this, I will be turning 32 this year and I continue to fight, making the most out of life. I am a University of Regina graduate, now working in a career I enjoy, and am a member of the CureSMA community.
Hope on the Horizon
In December 2016, the lives of myself and my family changed when we learned that a new drug, Spinraza, had been developed and approved for use in the United States. Spinraza has been proven to halt and reverse the effects of SMA. In July 2017, Health Canada approved its use for all those afflicted with SMA. Unfortunately, after a year of waiting, it is still uncertain if Spinraza will ever be available through Canada's healthcare system. Spinraza carries a hefty price tag of $120,000 per injection but is the only known treatment for SMA. Although ongoing treatment is required, with a single dose the degeneration can be halted, ensuring that my ability to breathe will not diminish further, and after a second dose I will be able to start getting back lost abilities. Time is not a luxury SMA patients can afford and it is crucial to receive treatment as soon as possible.
A Brighter Future
There is still so much living I want to do and things I want to accomplish. 100% of the money received through Go Fund Me will go towards the cost of Spinraza. If you want to know more about me and my life, I can be found on Facebook.  
Organizer
Cole Pringle
Organizer
Regina, SK
