When a loved one is affected by spinal muscular atrophy, whether recently diagnosed or living with SMA for a while, you want to make a difference in their life and in the lives of all those affected by SMA.
At Cure SMA, we believe in the power of the SMA community working together. That’s why we offer many ways for you to get involved if someone you love is affected by SMA.
Get Involved
The following are effective and fun ways to get involved and spread public awareness of SMA and our community. If you have an idea that isn’t listed here, please reach out to [email protected].
Donate to Cure SMA. Online donation is convenient and secure. When you visit our website to donate, you can check out our research, support & care or advocacy sections, to learn more about the programs your donation supports. Or, visit our news section to learn about new initiatives and successes made possible by your donation.
Start an Event. Each year, we hold as many as 300 events across the US: walks, galas, golf outings, bowl-a-thons and more. If you have a creative idea for an event in your area, fill out our fundraiser interest form and someone from our team will reach out to you.
Attend or Donate to an Event. If you’re not ready to start your own event, you can participate in an existing event near you. Search our event calendar to find the right opportunity.
Run a 5K, Marathon, or Something in Between. Cure SMA also hosts teams at endurance events: 5Ks, marathons, half-marathons, triathlons and more. You can find where Team Cure SMA will be by searching our event calendar. If your race isn’t listed on the event calendar, you can still fundraise! Set up a personal fundraising page tied to your event. Then, email [email protected], and someone from our team will reach out for help and support.
Advocate. We believe the voice of our community is powerful. That’s why we work directly with legislators, regulators, and officials to advocate on behalf of our community. We also give our community the resources and opportunities they need to advocate for themselves. If you’re interested in advocating for those affected by SMA, sign up to be an advocate or visit our advocacy action center. Once you sign up, we’ll reach out to you when there are opportunities to advocate in your state or district.
Purchase Cure SMA Merch. Cure SMA’s new merchandise is a fun and stylish way to show your support for the SMA community. A portion of each purchase is donated to our research, family support, and advocacy programs.
Awareness Month. SMA Awareness Month isn’t until August, but now is a great time to start planning. In addition to our usual work—hosting and attending events, telling our stories to neighbors and friends, sharing information about SMA, using social media to raise awareness, and more—many families and chapters plan special events or efforts around SMA Awareness Month. You can: host an Awareness Day with their local major or minor league baseball team, ask for a proclamation from state or local government, hold an awareness-themed fundraiser, reach out to local media or celebrities, and participate in social media awareness efforts, such as our community album.
As part of SMA Awareness Month, at sunset on the second Saturday of August, the SMA community lights candles to remember those who have passed away from SMA, and to honor those who are living with SMA. Many chapters and families come together for a community candlelighting on this day, or another day during the month. Email us at [email protected] if you have questions about SMA Awareness Month.
Support Through Sponsorship. Many businesses and corporations are actively engaged in charitable causes. The business you work for may match your donation to Cure SMA. In addition, many businesses are looking for sponsorship opportunities with causes that are important to their employees or customers. We’d love to share opportunities to get involved with companies that you are an owner, employee, or customer of. Email [email protected] for more information.
Tell Your Story. Your personal connection to the SMA community is the most powerful tool you have. Whether you’re running a marathon and asking for donations, advocating with a state legislator, planning an awareness day in August—whatever you’re working on!—sharing your personal story will help you reach more people and build a genuine connection between them and our community. Email us at [email protected] for more ideas on how to share your story.
Follow us on Social Media. Following us on social media is also a great way to learn more about the activities listed above, as well as new initiatives we’re working on. Spread awareness and encourage your friends and family to learn more about SMA by sharing or interacting with our posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.