Fundraiser for Mary - Erika Kurre

At just a year old, the daughter of a local army helicopter pilot is fighting for her life Monday morning.

Mary Nelson was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy when she was six months old.

Doctors are only giving her two years to live, but she and her Fort Campbell family are fighting for more.

Fox 17's Erika Kurre has the story...

In this morning's Fox focus report, 14-month-old Mary Nelson will never crawl or walk.

Mary's mother Kate Nelson said, "My husband and I...we, at two months of age, were a little worried. We thought something was wrong because she wasn't kicking her legs or moving her arms or batting at things like other babies did."

Mary was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy last summer.

It's a genetic disorder and disease that affects the muscles. There is no cure.

"She unfortunately has to have a lot of respiratory equipment when she sleeps and also if she is sick. She has lost some of her ability to swallow", said Kate.

Kate and Ryan Nelson were devastated when they were told their daughter would not live past 2-years-old.

Chuck Folk, a family friend and ride to cure sma coordinator said, "You could really tell that they were hurt by it. It was a big thing that hit them and we're really a family, our unit is. So it's sort of...anyone that's hurt by that...it hurts everyone."

Ryan Nelson's army comrades are coordinating a fundraiser, a walk, run and bike ride, to raise awareness of "sma".

The proceeds will be divided between the Miracle for Mary Fund and "Families of SMA" research.

"We were so happy about it. You never think you're going to be on the receiving end of that-- you always want to be the person giving but it's nice to have people like that", said Kate.

Meanwhile, the Nelsons are praying for a miracle for Mary.

They won't accept the fact that she may only live a few more months, especially after recently meeting an 8-year-old boy with sma.

"He goes to regular school. He's in first grade. He has a ton of friends. He has a little power chair that he runs around in and he's just very happy. So it gave us hope that Mary's going to have a good life", said Kate.

In Hendersonville, Erika Kurre, Fox 17 News.

The "Miracle for Mary" ride to cure s-m-a will be held May 10th in Clarksville.

Call 447-8696 for more information.

One in every six thousand babies is born with s-m-a.

Or, log on to our website... Fox 17.Com..and click on "Fox Links" for more details on "Miracle for Mary."




Fundraiser for Mary - Erika Kurre