Secret Surprise for Team Loving Melia

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping you could help me keep this as a SECRET and SURPRISE until August 18 (2 days before the CureSMA Walk-N-Roll Event). Consider this my 10-day campaign.

Wanted to do something different this year for CureSMA (https://www.curesma.org/) and Team Loving Melia (https://walk-curesma.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=1255). Every year, I’m asked if there’s another contribution that could be made, specifically for my brother and sister-in-law. They’ve never asked for anything and I’m never really sure how to help.

I was thinking that this year, with your help, I could surprise them with something special. Since 2018, I haven’t been there for Melia or my family as much as I’ve wanted to and it’s always been hard, especially over the past 5 weeks where I know there’s been a lot of hospital time, pain, restless nights, braveness, resiliency, hopefulness, and an overall roller coaster of emotions. And I’d assume a lot of hospital bills.

Melia is now 8 years old and has lived her entire life with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Type 2.

About Spinal Muscular Atrophy:

"SMA is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord and impacts the muscles used for activities such as breathing, eating, crawling, and walking. It is the number one genetic cause of death for infants.

No two people with SMA have identical experiences. Even among those with the same type, the experience of the disease can be different. Decisions about care and treatment should be made according to each individuals needs

Type 2 is usually diagnosed after 6 months of age, but before 2 years of age. The first sign is often a delay in meeting motor milestones, or failing to meet milestones entirely. Individuals with SMA Type 2 can typically sit up without help, though they may need assistance getting into a seated position, but they are unable to walk and will require a wheelchair.

As many of you know, I’m injured a lot. But whenever things get hard, I think of the strongest person I know- Melia.

I’m still hoping and praying for a cure. Until then, I’m hoping our contribution can help them have the opportunity to do something special and feel supported. Whether it’s towards their medical bills, a getaway, a new hobby or a present for Melia, a camp, or even just giving back towards CureSMA.:

Ask:

A donation towards the goal and spreading awareness of CureSMA

Timeline:

August 18

Thank you for your continued support in all of this.

Love,

Dante