Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

'Milk-Making' Molecule Lengthens Life Span in SMA Mice

The administration of a protein called prolactin has been shown to slow weight loss, improve motor function and increase life span by approximately 70 percent in mice with a disease resembling a severe form of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Prolactin is a hormone whose primary function is to promote milk production in women who are breastfeeding.

SMA: Wider ‘Window of Opportunity’ for Treatment?

The "window of opportunity" for treating infants at risk of developing spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) may not be as narrow as some experts have feared, new experiments in mice suggest.

Trevor Schaid

Location

Monroe, WI

Trevor created this artwork at age 16 at a 1991 art workshop at MDA’s Wonderland Camp in Camp Lake, Wis. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison in 1998 with a double major in English and psychology.

Full name: 
Trevor Schaid
Artist: 
Trevor Schaid
Medium: 
Watercolor

Danielle Harada

Location

Federal Way, WA

Danielle won awards for her artwork in high school and is currently studying graphic design at the International Academy of Design & Technology. She has created banners for the local MDA summer camp. Along with painting, Danielle also enjoys other arts and crafts, and playing cards.

Full name: 
Danielle Harada
Artist: 
Danielle Harada
Medium: 
Watercolor

Renee Granade

Location

Edmonds, WA

Renée is a behavioral therapist and education tutor. She has degrees in liberal studies and early childhood education. Her interests include creating greeting cards, breeding and showing Persian cats and spending time with children.

Full name: 
Renee Granade
Artist: 
Renee Granade
Medium: 
Photograph

Kane Urban

Location

Alto, TX

Kane created this artwork at age 12 at an MDA-sponsored children’s art workshop held May 3, 1992, at the Chicago Art Institute. He earned an MBA in 2005.

Full name: 
Kane Urban
Artist: 
Kane Urban
Medium: 
Watercolor

Elsha Stockseth

Location

South Weber, UT

Elsha created this artwork at age 15. She graduated first in her class from Northridge High School in Layton. Elsha is no longer able to paint due to weakness in her arms. Previously, she would lie on her side, using her left arm to support her right arm and hand as she painted.

Full name: 
Elsha Stockseth
Artist: 
Elsha Stockseth
Medium: 
Watercolor

Brad Childester

Location

Sandy, UT

Brad was an accomplished artist and received MDA’s Personal Achievement Award for Utah in 1993. He also was a graphic artist who designed logos for Murray City, Utah, and several companies.

Full name: 
Brad Childester
Artist: 
Brad Childester
Medium: 
Watercolor

Stacey Wilson

Location

Houston, TX

Stacey has been painting since 1991 and also enjoys writing. She graduated from the University of Houston with a major in accounting and is self-employed.

Full name: 
Stacey Wilson
Artist: 
Stacey Wilson
Medium: 
Watercolor

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MDA in Your Community