Whether you have SMA, have a loved one with SMA, are a researcher, care provider, industry partner, or are new to the SMA community, SMA Awareness Month is a time to come together to celebrate, honor, reflect, remember, and learn.
The theme of SMA Awareness Month 2023 is ‘Breakthroughs Begin with You.’ It’s an opportunity for you to be in the driver’s seat leading the dialogue and efforts you want to see in the SMA community and beyond.
From local events to national advocacy, there are plenty of ways for you to get involved and help lead the charge. Check out our events calendar for a listing of local and national events happening this month.
We’re also thrilled to share several exciting features of SMA Awareness Month 2023:
- Tune In – We’ve partnered with iHeart Radio on national public service announcements that will be aired in nearly 25 major markets across the U.S. We’ve also partnered with Hubbard Radio in the Chicagoland market (Cure SMA headquarters) on public service announcements and an informative interview with Dr. Mary Schroth that will be aired on major Chicagoland stations.
- Go Bilingual – To extend our reach to Spanish speakers, we’ve translated SMA infographics and awareness month branding into Spanish. We’ll also be sharing video interviews conducted in Spanish with members of our SMA community in Puerto Rico.
- Listen Up – This year we have an SMA Awareness Month theme song. Check out ‘Lift Me Up’ by Lachi and James Ian featuring Gaelynn Lea.
- Get Social – Visit our SMA Awareness Month webpage to download social media banners, Zoom/Teams backgrounds, email signatures, sharable social media graphics, and more to help increase awareness.
Our SMA Awareness Month calendar and activities will be updated throughout the month. Check out our SMA Awareness Month page for the latest updates.
For questions about SMA Awareness Month or interest in sharing your SMA story, contact [email protected].
About SMA
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. Each year, thousands of infants in the U.S. and around the world are born with SMA. SMA also impacts children, teens, and adults from every background, race, and gender. Approximately one in 50 people, more than six million total, is a genetic carrier for SMA. There are several approved treatments for SMA, but we do not yet have a cure.
About Cure SMA
Cure SMA is dedicated to the treatment and cure of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Since 1984, Cure SMA has grown to be the largest U.S.-based network of individuals, families, clinicians, and research scientists working together to advance SMA research, support individuals and families impacted by SMA, and educate public and professional communities about SMA. Cure SMA funds and directs comprehensive research that drives breakthroughs in treatment, advances access to high-quality care, provides practical support programs, and advocates for the needs of the SMA community. Learn more at www.curesma.org.