AUDREY WINKELSAS, Wekiva Senior planned a community action project to spread awareness about the genetic disease Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
Audrey received $500 “Seed Grant” from the National Do Something Organization.
She planted an idea and it grew into a tree of life, rooted in awareness and participation.
The campus wide community service event “A Walk in the Park” held on October 16th raised funds for the Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
Sixteen WHS clubs, represented by over one hundred and fifty volunteers, worked together for the cause. The day was spectacular.
The total amount of money raised by Wekiva High School for the Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy ... (drumroll please) $3633.29
Audrey expressed the following:
"I am very thankful that my hope of having “A Walk in the Park” turned into a reality. I appreciate each and every person who gave of their time and energy to help make “A Walk in the Park” a success. The Families of SMA representatives were very pleased with turnout and how much awareness was spread about Spinal Muscular Atrophy. In addition, they commented on how nice and helpful all of our Wekiva High School student volunteers were. All in all, I am very pleased with how “A Walk in the Park” culminated and cannot thank Wekiva High School, the Apopka community, and especially Mrs. Kenney-Benson and the Do Something Club enough."
Learn more about Audrey Winkelsas,17 years old
Spinal Muscular Atrophy
When Audrey was nine months old she was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a genetic disorder that destroys voluntary muscle movement. While the disease is relatively unknown, SMA is the number one genetic killer of children under the age of two. 1 in 40 people carry the gene that causes SMA, which is 7.5 million Americans. Audrey’s Do Something Club will be hosting “A Walk in the Park” to raise money and awareness for SMA. She’s partnering up with other clubs in her school to organize and plan the event complete with food vendors, activities, crafts, etc all related to spreading the word about this disease. Audrey hopes to raise $10,000 at the event, donating all of the funds directly to Families With SMA.
