Sunday, April 7, 2013

Walk-n-Roll 2013 (by The Casten Family)


For most people, over 3 years of age, the act of walking is pretty much a non-thinking affair.  For most people that is.

There are those who simply cannot walk, for a variety of reasons.
Our daughter, Ella Sabine Casten (born on June 10th, 2010), was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 2 in August of 2011.

She's never walked entirely on her own.
   
Unless something changes...she never will.
SMA is a progressive, degenerative, neuromuscular disease that is considered (for Types 1 & 2) a terminal illness. The motor neurons (which control voluntary muscles) of its victims are affected.  People with SMA  lack the protein necessary to keep the motor neurons alive and functional...in response, the muscles atrophy (waste away) over time.  Swallowing muscles can also be affected.  In addition, respiratory muscles are affected, which is why the disease is considered terminal.  If a child with SMA gets a respiratory infection it can easily lead to death through the person's weakened ability to cough and/or breathe sufficiently to sustain their life.

Through the dedication of family, friends, doctors, and researchers the goal of finding treatments and/or a cure for SMA is slowly being realized.  The progress made since Ella's recent diagnosis has been incredible and very encouraging.  The hope we had in 2011 has increased since...and we look forward to a time when all people with SMA will live a full life.

In efforts to help researchers continue to make progress, Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (FSMA) is sponsoring The 7th Annual Walk-n-Roll Fundraiser on June 8th, 2013 in Libertyville, IL., which benefits FSMA as they support current research.

We participated last year as "Team ELLAwareness for SMA" and will lovingly do so again this year.

We invite you to join us in any way you can to help support the wonderful people of FSMA in their galant efforts.

Ways you can help:
  • Join Team ELLAwareness for SMA and raise money.
  • Join Team ELLAwareness for SMA with a donation.
  • Join Team ELLAwareness and Walk with us on June 8th.
  • Buy a t-shirt to spread awareness about SMA.*
  • A combination of any of the above.

*We will be using the same t-shirts we had last year, so if you already have one and you'd like to join the Walk-n-Roll, you can simply pull it out and wear it on June 8th! 
Otherwise... 

ANYONE can order shirts from us 
before May 5th!** 

T-Shirt are $15 each

**We must have at least 12 adult t-shirt orders to fulfill the minimum requirements so we can place an order for adult sizes.

**We must have at least 12 children t-shirt orders to fulfill the minimum requirements so we can place an order for children sizes.

 NOTE:  If we are unable to fill the minimum requirement for either adult and/or children sizes, we won't be able to place the respective order(s).
Adult Front


Adult Back
You may order shirts from us 
(before May 5th) at: ELLAwareness@icloud.com**
(Please include sizes and quantity)
  • Adult (XXL, XL, L, M, S)  
  • Youth (L, M, S)


 Please follow the link below to access the 
"Team ELLAwareness for SMA" page:


The Casten Family

at