Maisy Ryan Wiggins, daughter of Ryan and Rebecca Wiggins of Underwood was diagnosed with a terminal neuromuscular disorder called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1. SMA is the number one genetic cause of infant mortality. It causes degeneration of motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem. The loss of motor neurons leads to weakness and wasting (atrophy) of muscles used for activities such as crawling, walking, sitting up, and head control. Eventually the muscles used for breathing and swallowing are affected. Social and cognitive development are not impacted.
Currently there is no cure or treatment for SMA, which requires the family to frequently travel outside of Iowa to participate in a clinical trial, in hope of providing a better quality of life for Maisy. Given Maisy’s diagnosis the family has also incurred a tremendous amount of medical expenses. All benefit proceeds will be given to the family for travel and medical expenses. Follow Maisy’s SMA journey on Facebook: AMaisying Hope #SupportMaisy or email benefitMaisyRyan@gmail.com
