Gunner’s Story

He’s little. He’s only two. It doesn’t seem like someone so small or young could have such a strong presence. But then, we aren’t talking about just anyone. This is Gunner. And when he moves past you in his specialized wheelchair, you will probably hear him say “Go faster!”

When Gunner was not quite one year old, he underwent testing at the Neurosciences Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. He didn’t seem to want to “go faster” then and his mom and dad wanted to make sure everything was okay.

But everything was far from okay.

Gunner’s parents, Jamie and Fred, will never forget February 11, 2014. That was the day their lives became forever changed. After a full day of tests and evaluations, they heard these three letters for the first time: SMA. Gunner was exhausted and asleep in Jamie’s arms when she learned what the letters meant. As the doctor explained what the future would hold for them, her tears fell like a spring rain, soaking little Gunner. She doesn’t remember much else about that day except for taking Gunner home, holding him and loving him.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) occurs in one in 10,000 births. This fatal genetic motor neuron disease affects the muscles that are used for activities such as crawling, walking, head and neck control, and swallowing. The SMA Clinic at Nationwide Children’s Hospital provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for patients from across the United States including: neurologypulmonary medicineoccupational and physical therapies, nutrition, social workorthopedicsgastroenterologyphysical medicine and rehabilitationdevelopmental medicinegeneral pediatrics and more.

“My entire outlook was changed by the knowledgeable and compassionate staff,” says Jamie.

Gunner is making the most of every day. He is a mischievous toddler who loves things that go fast like trains and cars. And he loves to chase his brother and sister in his wheelchair.

 

http://nchflutter.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Gunner.jpg
  • Name: Gunner M.Gunner Myers
  • Condition(s): Spinal Muscle Atrophy
  • Age at Treatment: 2 years
  • Age Today: 03/09/201311 Years

He’s little. He’s only two. It doesn’t seem like someone so small or young could have such a strong presence. But then, we aren’t talking about just anyone. This is Gunner. And when he moves past you in his specialized wheelchair, you will probably hear him say “Go faster!”

When Gunner was not quite one year old, he underwent testing at the Neurosciences Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. He didn’t seem to want to “go faster” then and his mom and dad wanted to make sure everything was okay.

But everything was far from okay.

Gunner’s parents, Jamie and Fred, will never forget February 11, 2014. That was the day their lives became forever changed. After a full day of tests and evaluations, they heard these three letters for the first time: SMA. Gunner was exhausted and asleep in Jamie’s arms when she learned what the letters meant. As the doctor explained what the future would hold for them, her tears fell like a spring rain, soaking little Gunner. She doesn’t remember much else about that day except for taking Gunner home, holding him and loving him.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) occurs in one in 10,000 births. This fatal genetic motor neuron disease affects the muscles that are used for activities such as crawling, walking, head and neck control, and swallowing. The SMA Clinic at Nationwide Children’s Hospital provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for patients from across the United States including: neurologypulmonary medicineoccupational and physical therapies, nutrition, social workorthopedicsgastroenterologyphysical medicine and rehabilitationdevelopmental medicinegeneral pediatrics and more.

“My entire outlook was changed by the knowledgeable and compassionate staff,” says Jamie.

Gunner is making the most of every day. He is a mischievous toddler who loves things that go fast like trains and cars. And he loves to chase his brother and sister in his wheelchair.

 

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