Matthew Schweitzer is encouraging people to get involved in the SMA walk which will raise much-needed funds for SMA Australia. 75592 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
BY NATALIE GALLENTI
MATTHEW Schweitzer has never let SMA define who he is.
Diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy when he was only 18 months old, Mr Schweitzer refuses to let the incurable disease hold him back even though he has spent most of his life confined to a wheelchair.
“I was very determined to try to not see it as a hindrance,” he said.
“I think it’s very important other people can see it that way.”
For Mr Schweitzer SMA took its toll by the age of eight when he lost the ability to walk.
And the 25-year-old is now encouraging people affected by the disease to take part in the Million Steps for SMA 2012 walk, to be held at Brimbank Park in March.
The annual fun run or walk event will raise funds for SMA Australia, a not-for-profit, non-government funded charity that works to raise awareness and provide support for individuals and their families suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
Mr Schweitzer, who is assisting in co-ordinating the walk, said it was important people became more aware of the genetic disease which manifests in various degrees of severity of general muscle wasting and mobility impairment.
SMA is the most common genetic cause of infant death.
“People are only aware of SMA if they have had direct contact with someone affected by it.”
He said the money raised would go towards further research and assisting families that could not afford the equipment required to care for sufferers.
The fun run/walk will be held on Sunday, 25 March at Brimbank Park, Keilor. To register call 9545 3633.
