Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy is dedicated to Advancing Research and Supporting Families by: 

• Eradicating SMA by promoting and supporting research; 
• Helping families cope with SMA through informational programs and support; 
• Educating the public and professional community about SMA.

Families of SMA was founded in 1984 with the purpose of raising funds to advance research to find a treatment and cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and to support all those affected by SMA.  To date FSMA has raised and invested almost $40 million towards SMA research.  Our support comes from numerous individual donations and fundraising events held by volunteer families and our chapters.
Our successful results and progress from basic research to drug discovery programs to clinical trials provides real hope for families and patients:

• Families of SMA has funded 5 multi-center clinical trials for existing drugs that have potential for SMA.
• FSMA has directed and funded the leading new drug development program for a therapy specially designed to treat SMA.
• Families of SMA is building a pipeline of drug discovery programs based on our investments in basic research.
• FSMA has invested significant resources into alternative approaches that show promise to cure SMA.

Click here for details on FSMA funding.

We are a non-profit, 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. Funds are specifically directed to scientific, educational or literary purposes in keeping with a charitable organization.  Today we have 24 Chapters throughout the United States and over 50,000 members and supporters.  We are a collaborative organization where families and friends and researchers are all working together towards the same goal.

FSMA sponsors the largest Annual International Research Conference devoted entirely to SMA research. Dedicated researchers gather from around the world to share results and exchange ideas, fostering a spirit of cooperation and moving us toward our goal of finding a treatment and cure sooner. 
At the same time as the research conference FSMA sponsors an Annual Conference for Families to learn about the status of SMA research, gain an understanding of the disease, share the latest in disease management techniques, and network with other families and medical professionals.

We encourage everyone touched by SMA to join our organization.   All parents of children with SMA, all people directly affected with SMA, all relatives, friends and colleagues of those affected, are welcome to join us as we work together to find a treatment and cure for SMA.

Click here for some quick facts about SMA.

Click here for information on the support we provide.