Anna is a little girl from Brazil whose life has been defined by courage, resilience, and an extraordinary fight against adversity. At just six months old, Anna was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 (SMA), a rare, progressive, and degenerative neuromuscular disease. From that moment on, her family’s world changed forever. What began as a normal infancy quickly transformed into a battle for survival, medical care, and hope.
SMA Type 1 is a severe condition that attacks the body’s motor neurons, weakening muscles and making even basic movements difficult or impossible. For Anna, it meant losing abilities that most children take for granted. Over time, her condition progressed, and she began to lose the ability to breathe efficiently on her own. Today, she relies on mechanical ventilation for several hours a day. She also no longer eats by mouth, depending entirely on specialized medical support for her nutrition.
Despite these tremendous challenges, Anna has shown an incredible strength that is both inspiring and humbling. Every day, she faces limitations that would overwhelm most adults, yet her spirit and her presence radiate courage. She reminds everyone around her of the fragility of life, but also of the profound resilience of the human heart. Her family has been her unwavering support system, fighting tirelessly to ensure she receives the care, attention, and hope she deserves.
Anna’s journey is not just about survival—it is a fight against time and against the limitations imposed by a rare and devastating disease. Her family is currently raising funds to purchase Zolgensma, a groundbreaking gene therapy that offers children with SMA the chance to live a life more like any other child. This medication is revolutionary because it addresses the root cause of the disease, potentially stopping its progression. For Anna, Zolgensma represents hope, a chance to reclaim some of the abilities she has lost, and an opportunity to experience childhood in ways her disease has so far denied her.
The challenge, however, is immense. Zolgensma is the most expensive medication in the world, with a price tag of 12 million reais (approximately USD 2.125 million). Its cost alone makes access almost impossible for many families, and it can only be administered to children under the age of two. Anna’s family is racing against the clock, knowing that every day counts if they are to secure the treatment that could change her life forever. The urgency adds a layer of pressure, but it has also galvanized a community of supporters, donors, and advocates determined to help Anna reach her critical treatment window.
Anna’s story is not only a medical journey but also a testament to hope, perseverance, and the strength of family and community. Her parents, caregivers, and supporters are united by a singular goal: to give Anna the opportunity to live a life full of experiences, laughter, and milestones that every child deserves. Every effort, every donation, every word of encouragement matters in the fight to secure Zolgensma for Anna before it is too late.
Beyond the medical urgency, Anna teaches invaluable lessons about courage and resilience. She lives in a world where each breath, each movement, and each moment of comfort is hard-won. Yet, she continues to inspire everyone around her with her presence, her determination, and the quiet strength that shines through even in her most vulnerable moments. She reminds us that life is precious, and that every child deserves a chance to thrive, regardless of the obstacles they face.
Anna’s story is a call to action. It reminds the world of the power of compassion, advocacy, and collective effort. While her situation is urgent and her condition critical, the love, support, and hope surrounding her demonstrate the profound difference that a community can make. Anna’s courage in facing SMA, and her family’s unwavering dedication, shine as a beacon of hope for all children battling rare and life-threatening illnesses.
In Anna, we see not only the struggles imposed by SMA but also the extraordinary potential that medical innovation and human determination can unlock. Her fight is urgent, her journey is inspiring, and her spirit is undeniable. With the right support and the life-saving intervention she so desperately needs, Anna has the chance to live the childhood every child deserves—a life filled with joy, discovery, and the freedom to grow beyond the limits of her disease.
Anna’s fight is far from over, but her story reminds the world that hope, courage, and unwavering determination can make the impossible possible. She is a tiny warrior racing against time, teaching all who know her the meaning of resilience, love, and the urgent power of hope.
Support Amelia’s Fight Against Clear Cell Sarcoma.2870
Amelia, an 18-month-old baby with a heart full of love and warmth, has been diagnosed with stage 3 clear cell sarcoma of the kidney. Despite the overwhelming challenge she faces, Amelia continues to bring joy to everyone around her with her radiant smile. Her family’s world was turned upside down when they received this life-changing diagnosis, and every day has since been a fight for her survival.
Amelia is currently undergoing intensive chemotherapy at Crumlin Children’s Hospital. She has three weeks of chemotherapy left before she must face major surgery to remove the large tumor and her left kidney. This surgery will be a pivotal moment in her battle, but it is also fraught with risks. Throughout it all, Amelia has remained a fighter. Despite the pain, the side effects of the chemotherapy, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead, Amelia keeps smiling, showing remarkable strength and resilience. However, she is not alone in this fight—her parents are by her side every step of the way, and they need our support now more than ever.
The medical journey ahead for Amelia is long and difficult. Her chemotherapy will continue for another eight and a half months, followed by the surgery. These ongoing treatments are essential to her survival, but they come at an incredible cost, not just financially, but emotionally and physically. Both of Amelia’s parents have had to give up work to be with her full-time, providing care and comfort as she faces the harsh realities of chemotherapy and preparing for surgery. While they are focused on Amelia’s well-being, the financial burden of this decision has been overwhelming.
The cost of Amelia’s treatment, combined with the daily expenses of traveling to and from St John & St Luke’s Hospitals, has become too much for the family to bear on their own. These costs add up quickly—hospital visits, medications, transportation, and the various expenses that come with caring for a child undergoing intensive treatment. The stress of managing their child’s health while worrying about finances is a heavy weight to carry. That’s where we, as a community, can make a difference.
We are raising funds to provide Amelia’s parents with some much-needed financial freedom during this challenging time. The goal is to help cover some of the many costs associated with Amelia’s treatment, including travel, medical bills, and the day-to-day expenses that have become nearly impossible to manage without the support of others. By contributing to this fund, you can help ease the financial burden on Amelia’s family, allowing them to focus on what truly matters—being with Amelia, supporting her through every treatment, and ensuring she gets the care she needs.
Every donation, no matter the size, will go a long way in helping Amelia and her family. The support of friends, family, and strangers alike is what will help them stay afloat during this difficult time. No parent should have to choose between being with their child in the hospital or working to provide for their family. Your generosity will help ensure that Amelia’s parents don’t have to make that choice. They will be able to stay by her side, offering comfort and love without the added worry of financial instability.
Amelia’s fight is far from over, and the road ahead will be long and tough. But she is a fighter, and with your support, we can help her continue this fight. Your donations will help Amelia and her family navigate the difficult days ahead, giving them the peace of mind they need to focus on her recovery. With every step, every treatment, and every moment of care, Amelia’s chance of survival increases. But she can’t do it alone.
Please consider donating to help support Amelia’s treatment and the care she desperately needs. Your generosity will make a difference, providing hope for a future where Amelia is healthy, happy, and able to grow up without the shadow of illness hanging over her. Every act of kindness, whether it’s a donation, a word of encouragement, or simply sharing this campaign with others, brings us one step closer to giving Amelia and her family the future they deserve.
Thank you for your support. Together, we can help Amelia continue to smile, fight, and thrive.
