Young girl battles spinal muscular atrophy
FOURWAYS - Resident Kerry Walsh has been fighting a life-threatening disease since she was born, however this has not stopped her from living her life like a normal teenager.
Walsh and her twin sister Jade were born on 22 October ’97, however, there is one major difference between the two sisters. Kerry was born with a disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
Their mother Lindsay Walsh and her family are now trying to raise funds to help others who are suffering from the disease.
SMA is a rare degenerative disease that affects the spinal cord and nerves, resulting in muscle wasting and weakness. “SMA is an autosomal recessive disease. This means that both males and females are equally affected, and that two copies of the gene, one inherited from each parent, are necessary to have the condition,” Walsh explained.
There are three types of the disease. Type 1, also called Werdnig-Hoffman. is the most severe type and may be present at birth. Infants have problems holding up their head, sucking, feeding, swallowing, and typically move very little. Type 2, the intermediate form, is seen in children from seven to 18 months of age. They typically have generalised muscle weakness and may require braces, walkers or a wheelchair for assistance. Life-expectancy may extend to the 20s and 30s. Type 3, also called Wohlfart-Kugelberg-Welander, affects children older than 18 months of age. These children show signs of clumsiness, difficulty walking, mild muscle weakness, and may be developmentally delayed.
Walsh explained that Kerry is currently on the cusp of type 1 and 2.
“We were told she would only live for two to five years. After spending the first few years of her life fearing her imminent death, I began to realise that she was still doing well,” said Walsh.
Now at 16 years old, Kerry is a vivacious and bubbly teenager. She has many friends and is described as a social butterfly. Her mom said Kerry is a warm-hearted, young girl who has a passion for helping others. Walsh added that Kerry is currently doing the scoring for Summit College’s cricket team, was in the school musical last year and is always busy helping to raise money for others.
The family will host a fundraiser at the 99 Hits show at the Barnyard Theatre in Rivonia on 19 March.
Details: walsh_family@telkomsa.net
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