Join the Nationwide Movement to Cure Spinal Muscular Atrophy

The Tampa Bay community is invited to take part in a nationwide movement at the 2024 Cure SMA Greater Florida Walk-n-Roll on Sunday, November 10, at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg. This local event is part of a national celebration marking Cure SMA’s 40th anniversary, with 40 Walk-n-Rolls taking place across the country. Each event brings communities together in a shared mission to support the search for a cure for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Local Event Details:
Date: Sunday, November 10, 2024
Time: 10 AM to 1 PM
Location: Eckerd College – Fox Hall, 4200 54th Ave South, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
Online Registration: https://walk.curesma.org/greaterflorida

Open to the public, this inclusive, family-friendly event will feature fun activities, a short accessible walk on a paved surface, complimentary refreshments, and opportunities to engage with individuals and families impacted by SMA. The Walk-n-Roll aims to raise both awareness and critical funds for SMA research and community support.

While more than 6,200 participants are walking for a cure nationwide, the local event at Eckerd College needs more community involvement to reach its goals. Cure SMA has led efforts that have resulted in significant breakthroughs, including three FDA-approved treatments and universal newborn screening for SMA in all 50 states. Yet, local support is essential to continuing these advancements and helping families in the Tampa Bay area affected by SMA.

“I've been involved with the Cure SMA Community here in Florida for 18 years. I've seen treatments once thought impossible become a reality - through funds raised at events like the Walk-n-Roll. I’ve seen children who once weren’t expected to see their second birthdays go on to thrive and walk,” said local advocate Katie Kerns. “Our community has been hit hard by recent hurricanes, but it’s our resilience that sets us apart. SMA families continue to bring light and hope to the journey toward a cure, and they need our support now more than ever. We hope you’ll join us at this important event.”

To register or donate, visit https://walk.curesma.org/greaterflorida.

SMA is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor nerve cells in the spinal cord, impacting essential muscle functions like breathing, eating, crawling, and walking. Cure SMA, the leading organization dedicated to treating and curing SMA, has been advancing research, advocating for those affected by SMA, and providing critical resources to families for more than 40 years.

For more information about Cure SMA, please call 800-866-1762 or visit www.CureSMA.org.