Documentary on Spinal Muscular Atrophy Features Six SMA Individuals.
February 19, 2010

PBS series “Florida Crossroads” airs a moving documentary titled “Andy’s Army” inspired by the story of Andy Butler, who lost his battle with SMA last summer.

In an effort to raise more awareness for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in the state of Florida, several families in our Greater Florida FSMA Chapter were asked in December 2009 to talk about their personal SMA experiences on camera by “Florida Crossroads” producers. “Florida Crossroads” is an award-winning documentary series that airs statewide on all PBS stations, reaching 99% of Florida’s population.  The interviews were developed into a moving half-hour episode of the series, titled “Andy’s Army”, after 5-month old Andy Butler who lost his battle with SMA last summer.

The documentary includes the stories of many SMA individuals including Andy Butler, Abigail Judge, Joie Smith, Allison Kerns, Elio Navarro and Tyler Hernandez.

You can view the documentary on the web at http://www.wfsu.org/tfc/fx-22_season.php. Just scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on “View Now”, which is next to the entry for “Andy’s Army.” You will need “Real Player” to view.

For those of you who live in Florida, you can watch the “Florida Crossroads” series this weekend on the PBS Station in your area:
WBCC/COCOA:  Saturday, February 20 at 1:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 21 at 4:00 p.m.
WDSC/Daytona Beach:  Sunday, February 21 at 10:00 a.m.
WGCU/Ft. Myers:  Saturday, February 20 at 4:00 p.m.
WUFT/Gainesville:  Sunday, February 21 at 11:30 a.m.
WLRN/Miami:  Saturday, February 20 at 6:00 p.m.
WMFE/Orlando:  Sunday, February 21 at 10:00 a.m.
WEDU/Tampa:  Sunday, February 21 at 1:30 p.m.
WUSF/Tampa:  Sunday, February 21 at 7:00 a.m.
WXEL/West Palm Beach:  Friday, February 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Families of SMA would like to thank all of the families who shared their inspiring stories to help raise awareness for SMA.