Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

Mark has an associate’s degree in liberal arts from the Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, Ill., and is certified in computer programming. His hobbies include computer design and public speaking. Mark volunteers for MDA in the Chicago suburbs.

Kevin created this artwork at age 14 at an MDA-sponsored art workshop held on May 3, 1992, at the Chicago Art Institute. He likes singing, composing music and acting, and has been very active in several music and drama organizations.

Rod was an avid bird watcher, and was involved in a number of environmental and political activities. He also wrote and performed music and comedy.

Morris is a former professional carpenter. A self-taught artist, he prefers painting in oils and uses his love of nature to create landscapes and seascapes. Morris is a member of a citizen advisory committee for metropolitan planning in Oahu.

Brent specialized in portraits of animals and had his own business called Pastels by Brent for several years. Unfortunately, in recent years he was unable to paint due to diminished abilities. After earning an associate’s degree in CAD Engineering, he was employed as a tool designer for more than 10 years.

Alexis enjoys art and math in school. Her other hobbies are dancing and singing. Alexis also enjoys attending MDA-sponsored summer camp every year and has appeared in national print ad campaigns for the Association.

Barbara has been painting and teaching art classes for many years. Her works have been exhibited in numerous art fairs and expositions in California. While a resident of the state, Barbara served on the San Diego Art Council for six years and was a member of several art organizations.

Sebastian is an internationally known artist whose work has been exhibited in Argentina, Germany, Venezuela and across the United States. Influenced by literature, mythology and classical music, his works are included in private, public and corporate collections worldwide. Sebastian is also a writer and received the MDA Personal Achievement Award for Florida in 1995.

Gerald donated this painting at age 19. He won several awards for his artwork, including the Dade County Silver Knight Award.

Edith retired from the California Mental Health Department as a psychiatric technician in 1982. Soon after, she began painting and exhibited her works in many juried art shows and local galleries in the Payson, Ariz., area where she lived for several years. Edith also was a published writer of poetry and short stories.