Rebecca Grace Van Fraassen is the niece of Run Director Louise
Smith. At 15 months of age Rebecca had not started to
walk, although all other aspects of her health seemed
completely normal. Painful, invasive testing confirmed
she was afflicted with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Knowing
there was no cure or treatment, Rebecca’s family
joined with Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Canada
to raise awareness and research dollars.
Rebecca is
now 4 years old and is thoroughly enjoying junior kindergarten.
She maneuvers well in her manual wheelchair and is assisted
at school by a full time aide. Rebecca knows she can’t
walk and knows she has a disease called SMA, but it
doesn’t slow her down in pursuing all the joys
of being a 4 year old. Barbie.com is a favorite pastime
as is playing with school friends, swimming and enjoying
family life with her mom, dad, sister Rachel and brother
Luke. With your commitment to the Rebecca Run, we are
certain to find a cure in Rebecca’s lifetime.
