A family in Richmond
Danika Stockings, 15, has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) a disease that causes muscle damage and weakness.
Unfortunately, it gets worse over time--as a child, Danika could walk with braces, but lost the strength to do it over time.
Now, the teen's confined to a wheelchair.
Showering, dressing, and even getting up in the morning are all processes that others have to help her with.
Danika was adopted by the Stockings from Russia when she was 11 months old.
They brought her home on Christmas Eve...a running joke in the family that she was that year's Christmas gift.
Four months later, though, she was diagnosed with SMA.
Nearly fifteen years later, she's completely used to the disease...and strives to make her life as normal as possible.
Her younger sister, Ellie-Kate, even helps, offering to take the responsibility of caring for her once she's old enough to do so.
So even despite the hardships of having SMA, Danika and family wouldn't have it any other way.
You can help people like Danika in your own community by donating during the MDA "Show of Strength" on Sunday, September 2nd from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m right here on ABC 36.
For more information, you can
go to their website by clicking here.
