Kaminsky declares August as SMA Awareness Month

Senator Todd Kaminsky met with members of the Greater NY Chapter of Cure SMA on Wednesday evening, and presented the group with a proclamation declaring August as Spinal Muscular Atrophy (“SMA”) month. 

SMA is a disease that affects the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord, therefore robbing an individual of the ability to walk, eat or breathe.  SMA is the number one genetic cause of death for infants and affects approximately 1 in 10,000 babies.  There is currently no approved treatment for SMA.

“Currently, there is no cure for SMA which is why it is so important to highlight the efforts of researchers and raise awareness about the disease,” said Kaminsky.  “Cure SMA provides an invaluable resource to families – a support system that is there when you need it most. It’s a privilege to recognize our local Cure SMA chapter for all of the amazing work they do.”

“We’re very excited that Senator Kaminsky has recognized August as SMA Awareness Month,” said Debbie Cuevas, Chapter President of Greater NY Chapter of Cure SMA.  “We’re in the midst of having multiple clinical trials in the history of our disease and one of the drugs is expected to be before the Food & Drug Administration in the near future.  Families in the area are very encouraged by Senator Kaminsky’s support for our group, and look forward to having him at future events.”