Riley Elizabeth Smith

     Riley Elizabeth Smith was born a normal, healthy baby on November 4th, 2001. At the age of 4 months, Riley was less active. She had limited movement. Riley's parents, Brad and Patricia Smith, took Riley to Riley Hospital for Children. Doctors ran every test they could get out of Riley. On Riley's 1st birthday, doctors were sure Riley had spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMA very dramatically and very early affects muscle growth. SMA often leaves patients, usually infants like Riley, with about 10 percent of normal muscle strength. They lie on their backs, hands flailed, motionless, beside their heads, their legs played out and separated. Most children with SMA never develop the muscle strength to stand, let alone walk.