Fight against Spinal Muscular Atrophy
by Michelle Minnoch

Sobey's in Alcona has once again kicked off their month long campaign in the fight against Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

If you purchase a set of wings at the checkout for $2, the proceeds will go towards the fight against SMA. At the end of the campaign, there will be a draw for those who have purchased wings, for a Sobey's Prize Package, valued at $120.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is the name given to a group of inherited diseases characterized by muscle wasting and weakness. SMA affects nerve cells (called motor neurons) which stimulate and control voluntary muscles, causing them to die off. Due to the loss of motor neurons, the spinal cord is unable to deliver signals to the muscles, preventing their normal function and leading to their atrophy (wasting away). (www.muscle.ca)

SMA is the number one genetic killer of children under the age of two. The campaign will end on July 1st with a barbeque at Sobey's. (pictured left to right - Amanda Stringer, Erich Feibel, Mary Fletcher-Thomas)