So imagine (or recall) bringing a beautiful baby into this world. A child born with the world at its fingertips, and has endless possibilities. Nothing can stop your child. Now imagine getting the test results informing you that your child was born with the genetic disease that kills more infants than any other disease – Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). SMA is a genetic defect that prevents motor neurons from creating the proteins necessary for muscular strength – meaning SMA kids are born with massive overall muscle weakness, and the inability to develop this strength.

Adyn and her incredible family.

You are then told that there is no cure for SMA. Your initial hopes & dreams turn into praying that your child has a less severe type of SMA – one they are able to fight and survive. Your beautiful baby is now a warrior fighting for life and survival. Some of these “warriors” are able to leave the hospital, and some never make it. For those children that make it home – the battle is just beginning. These are realities for many families impacted by Spinal Muscular Atrophy. It is from this harsh reality that Adyn’s Dream was formed.

Adyn with the ever so popular ‘Wiggles’.

Adyn Bucher was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, but was not diagnosed until she was 1 ½ years old. Initially diagnosed with Type 1 (the most severe diagnosis) and given about 6 months to live. Her health maintained steady, and at the age of 2, Adyn’s diagnosis was changed to SMA Type 2. Long story short: Adyn will never be able to walk or crawl, she’s been using a power wheelchair since she was 2, her physical weakness prevents her from picking up anything as heavy as a Chipotle burrito (one of her favorite foods), the common cold congestion could put her in hospital, and using medical equipment is a daily necessity. What Adyn lacks in physical strength, she more than makes up for in intelligence, compassion, love and determination.

Caroline Rhea sending some love to Adyn!

When Adyn was 9 years old, she decided that it was time to start making a difference for those families struggling with the costs involved in having a child with SMA. A typical SMA family requires medical equipment, home & vehicle modifications to accommodate a wheelchair, hospital bills, travel expenses (to either specialists or the annual SMA conference), etc. Adyn believes that life is too precious to focus on outstanding bills, and no one should go without these necessary things because they don’t have the money. Can you imagine going into town without your legs? She wanted to make a difference.

Adyn is an official member of the Ohio University Women’s Basketball team!

At the age of 10 (last year), she combined her desire to help SMA families with her passion for live music to make Adyn’s Dream a reality. The mission of Adyn’s Dream is to raise money for SMA families through hosting live music events. The organization has made a donation to the national SMA organization to sponsor a family to attend the annual conference, but otherwise is still trying to raise enough funds to provide grants to SMA families in need.

Adyn with one of her favorite bands, The Steel Wheels.

If you would like to learn more about this incredible foundation or simply help by making a donation, please visit the ‘Adyn’s Dream’ website at www.adynsdream.org.

Adyn’s Dream can also be found on social media at www.facebook.com/adynsdream or Twitter & Instagram – @adynsdream …

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