Melody Magic Murphy

Hello, our names are Spencer and Faith Murphy and we are from St. Louis, Missouri. This is so hard for us to even write or reach out like this but we thought it might be worth a shot. We are raising funds to support our family and our daughter Melody Magic.

Melody is diagnosed with a severe genetic disorder called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). This occurs when there is a mutation in the SMN1 gene, causing her motor neuron cells in her spinal cord to progressively diminish. SMA affects all of her muscle movements leaving her with the inability to ever sit up right, roll over, or independently walk. She has to work extremely hard to breathe and eat. Her cough and lungs are not strong enough to clear fluid that gets caught in her throat so we have to stay close to a suction machine. We keep it by her at all times. We are unable to leave our home with her as of now because she is limited to laying on her back or on her side. When she sits vertically for too long she starts to cough and choke, so a carseat is out of the equation. We are very lucky if we even get to hold her in our arms at all. It feels like we constantly are on edge making sure she is still breathing.

Melody is diagnosed with type-0 SMA which is the most rare and severe type. Meaning she was showing symptoms while still in the womb, her life expectancy is around 6-18months. She will most likely not make it to her second birthday. With Melody's severity she has been placed on palliative hospice care since she was 3 months old. She is now almost 8 months old but is continuing to get weaker losing more and more function.

With Melody needing very specific and special care 24/7, this is more than one of us can take on alone. Making it difficult for either one of us to work normal jobs at this point in time. We are asking for support so that we are able to pour all of our love and attention into giving Melody the beautiful life she deserves while she is still here. The donations we receive will go towards our monthly bills, food, and Melody's care plan while we navigate this next chapter of our lives. We are so beyond grateful for all of the support we have received so far and all we can hope for is that our baby girl is peaceful and comfortable throughout her life.

Thank you so much,

Spencer, Faith, & Melody Murphy