Why are Charlie, Sapna, and Maya Pringle uniting for the cure?

Charlie and Sapna Pringle welcomed their first child, Maya Nicole Pringle, on December 29, 2007. At six months of age, her parents and family began noticing that Maya was not bearing weight on her legs and was not pulling up. She learned how to sit independently so the doctors did not think anything of it at the time. Seven months of testing, countless doctor’s visits, and a “1000%” assurance from one neurologist that she did not have SMA, finally led the Pringle family to the Mayo Clinic. Maya was diagnosed with SMA Type II on January 14, 2009, two weeks after her first birthday. The devastation caused their family to think about all the things Maya would not be able to do anymore, but with the help of other SMA families and in particular, letters published on the Families of SMA website, their emotions changed from despair to hope. Hope that a cure was just around the corner. Now the family chooses to focus on all of Maya’s abilities rather than her disabilities and can thank several SMA families for their support. The Pringles keep their families and friends up-to-date on Maya through their blog: CharlieAndSapnaPringle.blogspot.com. When people meet Maya, they always comment about her beautiful blue eyes and how happy she is. Maya is funny, witty, and truly a blessing to the Pringle family. Charlie and Sapna have committed to “Unite For The Cure” because they know the cure is within reach and they want to support the doctors, scientists, and researchers of the SMA stem cell treatment program to make their one wish come true. They are also interested in helping raise awareness of SMA and encouraging SMA carrier testing.