Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
Awareness Month
August 2026 (event times shown in PST)
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month takes place each August to build understanding of this progressive neuromuscular disease and to spotlight the research, treatment, and community support available to people living with SMA and their families.
Cure SMA, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Spinal Muscular Atrophy UK, SMA Australia, Cleveland Clinic, Practical Neurology, and Squirmy and Grubs are sharing free virtual social events, expert-led webinars, podcasts, and video resources throughout the month.
Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit academic medical center providing patient care, research, and education across many specialties, including neurology. Its Neuro Pathways podcast features Cleveland Clinic physicians discussing current research and treatment advances in neurological and neuromuscular conditions.
On-Demand Resources
Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Progress Continues Against a Grave Neuromuscular Disorder
Type: Podcast (Neuro Pathways)
Duration: 28 minutes
Cleveland Clinic pediatric neurologist Dr. Alexandra Bonner discusses SMA genetics, subtypes, newborn screening policy, and current and emerging treatment options.
Cure SMA
Cure SMA is a U.S. nonprofit founded in 1996 whose mission is to drive research for treatments and a cure for spinal muscular atrophy and to support and empower everyone affected by SMA. The organization funds SMA research and provides community, educational, and advocacy programs for patients and families nationwide.
Virtual Events & Meetings
SMA Awareness Month Candle Lighting
A decentralized, community-led commemoration in which people affected by SMA light candles at local sunset and share photos on social media using #SMAawarenessmonth; commemorative candles are available through the Cure SMA Shop.
Time: At local sunset (participation is decentralized; no single fixed PST start time)
Date(s): Saturday, August 8, 2026
Format: Virtual (community participation via social media)
Platform: Social Media — @CureSMA — Awareness Month Hub
On-Demand Resources
Adaptive Recreation Panel Webinar
Type: Recorded Webinar
Duration: 1 hour
A Cure SMA panel, sponsored by Novartis, in which community members share firsthand experiences with adaptive recreation.
Access: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV3U89uU6-c
Adaptive Sports & Recreation Virtual Resource Fair
Type: Recorded Resource Fair & Panel Discussion
Duration: 1 hour
A Cure SMA resource fair and panel discussion, sponsored by Novartis, showcasing adaptive sports and recreation programs available to the SMA community.
Access: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVOrSiYmpSk
Adaptive Sports Panel Webinar
Type: Recorded Webinar
Duration: 1 hour
A Cure SMA panel, sponsored by Novartis, featuring community members discussing their participation in adaptive sports.
Access: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOrZPRhiBj0
Going Away to College Panel Webinar
Type: Recorded Panel Webinar
Duration: 1 hour
A Cure SMA panel, sponsored by Scholar Rock, on preparing for and navigating the transition to college with SMA.
Access: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLbjzuq5mRs
“Lift Me Up” — SMA Awareness Month Theme Song
Type: Music Video
Duration: 4 minutes
The official SMA Awareness Month theme song, performed by Lachi, Gaelynn Lea, April Rose, and James Ian (an adult living with SMA), released through RAMPD Records.
Access: https://youtu.be/zmr4H9NpTKk
SMA Podcast Recommendations Playlist
Type: Curated Podcast Playlist
Duration: Ongoing curated collection
A Cure SMA–curated Spotify playlist of community-recommended podcasts covering SMA and disability topics.
Access: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7GQyrfGwgtDxtvFGs4G7xc
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is the leading U.S. nonprofit for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and more than 300 other neuromuscular conditions, including SMA. For 75 years, MDA has funded research, provided clinical care, and offered community education and support for the neuromuscular disease community.
Virtual Events & Meetings
Spotlight On: Spinal Muscular Atrophy
An MDA Virtual Learning webinar offering community education on current SMA research, treatment, and care.
Time: 9:30 AM–12:00 PM, PST
Date(s): Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Format: Virtual
Platform: Zoom Webinar — Register · Event Page
Practical Neurology
Practical Neurology is an open-access, peer-reviewed publication launched in 2002 to provide neurology professionals with practical reviews of research and treatment advances. Its podcast series, Amplifying the Patient Journey, explores patient perspectives on living with neurological conditions.
On-Demand Resources
Living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Genetic Testing, Therapy, and More
Type: Podcast (Amplifying the Patient Journey)
Duration: 36 minutes
Andrew Cherico and Dr. John W. Day of Stanford University discuss genetic testing, therapy options, and the patient experience of living with SMA.
Access: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amplifying-the-patient-journey/id1716363809
SMA Australia (Spinal Muscular Atrophy Australia Inc.)
SMA Australia has supported patients, families, and communities affected by spinal muscular atrophy for over 20 years with best-practice care information and resources. The organization provides screening, treatment, and living-with-SMA guidance for children, teens, and adults.
On-Demand Resources
SMA Australia Podcast
Type: Podcast Series
Duration: 46 minutes per episode (published episode count not available; per-episode duration applied)
An ongoing audio series covering life with SMA, community stories, and resources from the Australian SMA community.
Access: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/sma-australia/id1465534907
Spinal Muscular Atrophy UK (SMA UK)
SMA UK is a UK charity committed to ensuring everyone affected by spinal muscular atrophy has access to the best care, support, and treatment. The organization runs community programs, grants, and health information services for SMA families across the UK.
Virtual Events & Meetings
SMA Social: Cards Against Humanity (Online)
A biweekly virtual social event on Zoom for adults living with SMA, hosted by SMA UK community members.
Time: 12:00 PM, PST (8:00 PM local UK time)
Date(s): Saturday, August 15, 2026
Format: Virtual
Platform: Zoom — Join details on the SMA UK events page
SMA Social: Virtual Pub Night
A virtual social event on Zoom for adults living with SMA to connect over shared pub games and conversation.
Time: 12:00 PM, PST (8:00 PM local UK time)
Date(s): Saturday, August 29, 2026
Format: Virtual
Platform: Zoom — Join details on the SMA UK events page
On-Demand Resources
Zolgensma Treatment Updates
Type: Recorded Webinar
Duration: 1 hour (runtime not published)
SMA UK health professionals Elizabeth Wraige, Jennie Sheehan, and Laurent Servais discuss the UK Zolgensma programme and related treatment updates.
Access: https://smauk.org.uk/treatment-updates-health-profs
Squirmy and Grubs
Squirmy and Grubs is the YouTube channel and platform of Shane Burcaw, who lives with SMA, and his wife Hannah Aylward, reaching more than 800,000 subscribers. Their videos combine humor and education to build public understanding of disability, ableism, and life with SMA.
On-Demand Resources
Squirmy and Grubs — YouTube Channel
Type: Video Series
Duration: 45 minutes per video (channel-wide video count not published; per-video duration applied)
An ongoing vlog and video series documenting daily life, an “inter-abled” relationship, and disability advocacy from the creators’ perspective.
Access: https://www.youtube.com/@SquirmyandGrubs/videos
General & Cross-Cutting Resources
Crisis & Immediate Support
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline · Free, confidential support available 24/7 by call, text, or chat.
Disclaimer: This listing is shared for community information only. The offerings are organized and hosted by the listed organizations, not by PeerGalaxy. Details such as dates, times, availability, and access links are subject to change — please confirm with the relevant organization before attending or applying.