Benjamin is Tari and Jim Carpenter's only child - their "dream" child. ...more

November 11, 2009

HANDS AND WRISTS: Helen Ellis Occupational Health Center, 2508 U.S. 19 N., Holiday, will have a free screening for hand and wrist problems, including carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis and compression syndrome, from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday. Appointments are required; call (727) 943-3600. ...more

October 31, 2009

Information on SMA ...more

October 21, 2009

Diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at 18 months old, Thomas Tucker III of Seffner has never had the opportunity to run, skip or climb on playground equipment with other children. ...more

February 18, 2009

Nov. 9, 2004, at 11:31 a.m. That's when Ashley and Lewis Davidson learned their daughter Ava had spinal muscular atrophy. The condition is a genetic disease of the nerves affecting voluntary muscular movement, according to the Web site of Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. "I just started crying hysterically," Ashley recalled. "I wanted someone to hug me. I felt really alone." ...more

July 19, 2008