# My baby girl has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [July 18, 2010, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-baby-girl-has-spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma/547126 "2010-07-18T15:17:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 11
**Author:** ![thirdwarning](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecccb3/32.png) [@thirdwarning](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thirdwarning)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2010, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-baby-girl-has-spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma/547126/201 "2010-08-02T19:06:09Z")
Bearflag, I’m so sorry. You have my prayers, for all of you. I know it’s been said here, but do remember, babies only know ‘now’. The little owl doesn’t have worries, won’t have regrets, and won’t be afraid. She only knows that you love her and take good care of her. Hold tight, all three of you. Keep each other close, and share all the joy you can find. And when you really need to scream, or vent, or rant, or cry, or just talk it out, we’re here. On a practical note, I have a couple of things that might be appropriate for a silent auction, if that ever comes up. In the meantime, I’ll be watching for other news. Try to be gentle with yourselves. ---
**Author:** ![Bearflag70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Bearflag70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bearflag70)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2010, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-baby-girl-has-spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma/547126/202 "2010-08-02T19:36:01Z")
> [@Ruffian](#): > > I don’t want to be dismissive or misleading or overstep bounds or offer false hope. But, I just wanted to say (in the spirit of the Dope, perhaps) that sitting up unsupported at this age is exceedingly unlikely. > > … > > May I request pictures of your little owlet? I figured as much about the normal motor skills at 4 months. I don’t yet know how they determine Type 1 or Type 2 at this age. We just had pictures done the week prior by a photographer who posted a few of the pics at her [photography website](http://halephotographyphotos.blogspot.com/2010/07/baby-getty-eyes-that-will-steal-your.html). ---
**Author:** ![Jelly\_Roll](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Jelly\_Roll](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jelly_Roll)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2010, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-baby-girl-has-spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma/547126/203 "2010-08-02T19:42:25Z")
I just looked at her pictures and she’s gorgeous! Those blue eyes are ridiculous. Do you squeeze those cheeks every waking moment? 🙂 I don’t have any other words right now, except that I’m sorry for the diagnosis. I sent you a PM when you have minute. ---
**Author:** ![Bearflag70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Bearflag70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bearflag70)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2010, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-baby-girl-has-spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma/547126/204 "2010-08-02T19:44:14Z")
We weren’t ready for family pics that day, so we go back this weekend for that. ---
**Author:** ![Neeps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a183cd/32.png) [@Neeps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neeps)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2010, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-baby-girl-has-spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma/547126/205 "2010-08-02T19:49:53Z")
> [@Bearflag70](#): > > > [@Ruffian](#): > > > > I don’t want to be dismissive or misleading or overstep bounds or offer false hope. But, I just wanted to say (in the spirit of the Dope, perhaps) that sitting up unsupported at this age is exceedingly unlikely. > > > > … > > > > May I request pictures of your little owlet? > > I figured as much about the normal motor skills at 4 months. I don’t yet know how they determine Type 1 or Type 2 at this age. > > We just had pictures done the week prior by a photographer who posted a few of the pics at her [photography website](http://halephotographyphotos.blogspot.com/2010/07/baby-getty-eyes-that-will-steal-your.html). My 17 week old can’t sit up straight or unsupported yet, although he really wants to. If you let him go, he just slides to one side. He’s also not that great at rolling over yet. I just had a look at the pictures, and your daughter is absolutely beautiful. Her eyes are so striking, and her smile just melts your heart. But you knew that already 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Omegaman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e480ec/32.png) [@Omegaman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omegaman)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2010, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-baby-girl-has-spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma/547126/206 "2010-08-02T19:51:09Z")
That is a beautiful baby. I’ll light a candle for her and your family. ---
**Author:** ![Lissla\_Lissar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lissla\_Lissar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissla_Lissar)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2010, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-baby-girl-has-spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma/547126/207 "2010-08-02T19:51:50Z")
Yet another Doper crying for your family. Like you and **Neeps** , I have a four month old, and was following your threads. Your pictures of her are beautiful. Our family will be praying for your family. Please keep us posted. Hugs, Kyra ETA: my little boy can’t roll or sit unsupported yet, either. ---
**Author:** ![Ruffian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/71e660/32.png) [@Ruffian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruffian)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2010, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-baby-girl-has-spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma/547126/208 "2010-08-02T20:23:05Z")
**Bearflag,** she is _gorgeous_! Those eyes are absolutely mesmerizing. Is that your wife in the 6th and 7th photo? She looks fantastic. ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2010, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-baby-girl-has-spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma/547126/209 "2010-08-02T20:26:43Z")
Beautiful family, **Bear**. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2010, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-baby-girl-has-spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma/547126/210 "2010-08-02T20:30:41Z")
I couldn’t bear to read the whole thread, but my thoughts are with you and your family **bearflag70**. I looked at the pictures - gorgeous, gorgeous little girl. ---
**Author:** ![Bearflag70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Bearflag70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bearflag70)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2010, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-baby-girl-has-spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma/547126/211 "2010-08-02T20:32:43Z")
> [@Ruffian](#): > > **Bearflag,** she is _gorgeous_! Those eyes are absolutely mesmerizing. > > Is that your wife in the 6th and 7th photo? She looks fantastic. Yes, thank you. ---
**Author:** ![pravnik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8edcca/32.png) [@pravnik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pravnik)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2010, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-baby-girl-has-spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma/547126/212 "2010-08-02T21:07:31Z")
Add me to the growing list of those thinking of you and your family, Bearflag. That’s one beautiful little girl you’ve got there. ---
**Author:** ![chorpler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chorpler/32/2888_2.png) [@chorpler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chorpler)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2010, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-baby-girl-has-spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma/547126/213 "2010-08-02T21:08:22Z")
Oh my gosh, that picture where your daughter is looking into your wife’s face is just the cutest, sweetest picture ever. The expression on her little face is just so angelic. It made me tear up, and I’m at work. I hope we can help you out with your financial troubles at least. ---
**Author:** ![TubaDiva](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tubadiva/32/507_2.png) [@TubaDiva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TubaDiva)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2010, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-baby-girl-has-spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma/547126/214 "2010-08-02T21:20:58Z")
> [@Bearflag70](#): > > Thank you all. My wife and I are crying that SDMB would even consider this. > > I have PayPal in my name, but should I use that or set up a separate account? I would think your regular ol’ account would be fine unless you’re uncomfortable sharing personal information like that with us – then another account would be the way to go. In the past I have served as a conduit for people who for one reason or another did not feel comfortable being listed or for Dopers who wished to remain anonymous – donations sent to me will be forwarded. If you donate through me please tell me if you wish Bearflag to know who you are, otherwise your name will not be disclosed. [EMAIL=“[TubaDiva@aol.com](mailto:TubaDiva@aol.com)”]TubaDiva ---
**Author:** ![Bearflag70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Bearflag70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bearflag70)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2010, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-baby-girl-has-spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma/547126/215 "2010-08-02T21:35:26Z")
> [@TubaDiva](#): > > > [@Bearflag70](#): > > > > Thank you all. My wife and I are crying that SDMB would even consider this. > > > > I have PayPal in my name, but should I use that or set up a separate account? > > I would think your regular ol’ account would be fine unless you’re uncomfortable sharing personal information like that with us – then another account would be the way to go. > > In the past I have served as a conduit for people who for one reason or another did not feel comfortable being listed or for Dopers who wished to remain anonymous – donations sent to me will be forwarded. If you donate through me please tell me if you wish Bearflag to know who you are, otherwise your name will not be disclosed. > > [EMAIL=“[TubaDiva@aol.com](mailto:TubaDiva@aol.com)”]TubaDiva I don’t mind. People here have figured out who I am before. Sometimes I use PayPal in a pinch for business matters and they take a percentage. Will PayPal take a cut of donations? ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2010, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-baby-girl-has-spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma/547126/216 "2010-08-02T22:31:43Z")
Just adding my voice to the list of Dopers who want to wish your family strength as you figure out how to move forward in this awful situation. ---
**Author:** ![DiosaBellissima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2010, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-baby-girl-has-spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma/547126/217 "2010-08-02T22:49:17Z")
> [@Bearflag70](#): > > Sometimes I use PayPal in a pinch for business matters and they take a percentage. Will PayPal take a cut of donations? My understanding is that whether they take a percentage or not is dictated by how the funds are labeled when they are sent. I’m sure someone a little more knowledgeable can explain this further. ---
**Author:** ![Bearflag70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Bearflag70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bearflag70)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2010, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-baby-girl-has-spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma/547126/218 "2010-08-02T22:50:57Z")
> [@DiosaBellissima](#): > > > [@Bearflag70](#): > > > > Sometimes I use PayPal in a pinch for business matters and they take a percentage. Will PayPal take a cut of donations? > > My understanding is that whether they take a percentage or not is dictated by how the funds are labeled when they are sent. I’m sure someone a little more knowledgeable can explain this further. I think that is right, but I am not sure. I think the sender can mark the funds as “personal” to avoid fees. Anyone? Also, what do you need form me? Just an email address? ---
**Author:** ![Bearflag70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Bearflag70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bearflag70)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2010, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-baby-girl-has-spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma/547126/219 "2010-08-02T23:04:40Z")
According to PayPal… Personal transfers to friends and family: FREE TRANSFER \* Fully funded by: \* PayPal balance \* Bank account FEE OF 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction \* Fully or partially funded with: \* Credit card \* Debit card \* PayPal credit On the SEND MONEY page, use the PERSONAL tab and not the PURCHASE tab. email: [email=“[markstorm@comcast.net](mailto:markstorm@comcast.net)”]bearflag70 I truly thank you all for everything from a kind word to any contribution. ---
**Author:** ![malkavia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/malkavia/32/5621_2.png) [@malkavia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/malkavia)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2010, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-baby-girl-has-spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma/547126/220 "2010-08-02T23:07:38Z")
My god, she’s beautiful. I’m so sorry that your family is going through this. Add me to the chorus of posters who wish we had something less trite and more comforting to say to you. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-baby-girl-has-spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma/547126.md?page=10) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-baby-girl-has-spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma/547126.md?page=12)