One of Her Campus Bryant’s main fundraisers is Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Our former Social Media Chair, Alyssa Silva has made significant strides against Spinal Muscular Atrophy despite the adversity she has had to overcome. Although Alyssa graduated last year, we still hold the fight for a cure for SMA very close to our hearts and hope to continue our fundraising success this semester. This week, starting Thursday, October 17th through Saturday, October 19th, HC Bryant will be fundraising for this disease through different events on campus (event schedule is below!).
What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy?
In her past Campus Celebrity interview, Alyssa explains, “Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a motor neuron disease that affects the muscles that are used for walking, head and neck control, and respiration. I was diagnosed with SMA when I was 5 months old, and at the time, there was little hope for children with this disease. Living with SMA definitely has its ups and downs. I learned at very young age that life is a gift and I have to make the most of what has been given to me. I’ve spent so much time in the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital for pneumonias and other illnesses that I’ve actually lost track of how many times I’ve been in there. And there have been so many other obstacles that I’ve been faced with because I’m in a wheelchair. However, along with the bad times come those amazing, never-forget, luckiest-girl-in-the-world times that make everything worthwhile. I have the greatest group of family and friends that are ALWAYS there for me, even in the darkest of times. If I told you living with SMA has been easy, I’d be lying. But I was taught to make the most out of every situation and that’s what I’ve been doing for the past 21 years. Always have to stay positive!”
For more of Alyssa’s stories, check out her blog for the Huffington Post.
Thursday: Pumpkin Painting!
When: 4:30-5:30
Cost: $5 for teams of 2 (Grab your roommate!)
Where: Fisher Center Lawn (Bryant Center 2B rain location)
Pumpkins and paint will be provided.
Alyssa will be making a guest appearance to pick the top three pumpkins. Winners will get prizes!
Saturday: Apple Cider Sale
When: 12:30 – 3:00 pm during the football game
Cost: $1 a cup
Where: Football Field
Also, look out for donation jars at SPB’s Fright Fest weekend events which will also take place this weekend!
All proceeds will go to Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Nikki Baccaro at nbaccaro@bryant.edu or make a donation through the website.
Her Campus Bryant appreciates all the support and donations we receive. Thank you!