Spinal Muscular Atrophy is the leading genetic killer of babies and toddlers under the age of two.   •   SMA is a genetic disease characterized by a degeneration of motor neurons in the spinal cord.   •   SMA rapidly destroys a child's muscle control and strength, leading to the progressive inability to walk, stand, sit up, eat, and ultimately, breathe.   •   There are three types of SMA (I, II and III). SMA Type I is the most severe. In 80% of affected Type 1 children, death occurs before age one.   •   An estimated 1 in 6,000 to 1 in 10,000 infants are born with SMA.   •   1 in 35 people are carriers for SMA.