Steve, Rozie, Kiley and Quinn McClay, uniting for the cure!

The McClay family of Washington is our 20th Unite For The Cure family! There is absolutely no reason that we can’t have more than 20 families uniting for the cure, but when we created this campaign our goal was to motivate 20 families impacted by SMA to help raise $100,000 for one simple goal: to make sure funding was not an obstacle to getting Dr. Keirstead’s SMA stem cell program to human clinical trials as quickly and as safely as possible and to accelerate the program. We have once again been humbled by the resolve and dedication of this vibrant SMA community; passionate resolve and dedication in the midst of such unfathomable challenges and obstacles. I think a quote that the McClay’s included in their Uniter bio/profile says it best:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead

Why are the McClays uniting for the cure?

The McClay’s seven year old daughter, Kiley, was diagnosed with SMA Type II at 16-months-old. First and foremost, they see Kiley as a beautiful, smart, funny and kind little girl who just started the second grade. Secondly, the McClays know the heartbreak she has endured not ever having stood or crawled and the knowledge she has of being different from most of her peers. They want to join this fight because no one should ever have to hear their 3-year-old child cry because her mom and dad have not “taught” her how to walk.

The McClays have been active in Families of SMA, fundraising and spreading the word about the devastation of SMA for the last six years. They have heard Dr. Keirstead speak at several FSMA conferences and it has given them much hope, not only for themselves, but for all the families that are suffering. They do not want the clinical trials to be postponed or prolonged one day longer because of lack of funding.

They thank everyone who is already involved and encourage those who aren’t to help in any way they can.  “If we all work together we can truly make a difference in the progress to cure SMA.”

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead