I was invited to a Gala at the Children's Museum, to raise money to cure SMA (Spinal
Muscular Atrophy). This is a rare disease that affects children by interfering with the motor nerve cell in the spinal cord thus depleting a child’s ability to
walk, eat, and breath. I really did not
know much about this disease even though I am in the health profession and did not know that it’s the number one genetic
cause of death for infants.
Reflection
Now Galas are fun events and there are all kinds out there to
raise money, many of which I have attended in the past for a new museum or the opera.
This event however was different for me because
it was made personal by the telling of a little boy's story and the love of his
parents, especially that of the mom. It touch my
heart, not just because of the disease nature, one that affects
children, but because there was a community of people helping, demonstrating the good in others.
As Maslow notes, establishing deep satisfying interpersonal relationships
with a few people and being concerned for the welfare of humanity are characteristic
of a Self-Actualized person. I saw a group of people supporting this child, who is beating the odds, by
attending this event and truly sharing financially. Maybe some did it to be part
of the gang but I hope most did it out of love. Everything I Need to Know I Learned From A Little Golden Book recommends, “get dressed up and dance” and what better way
to do that than to find a Gala for a cause!
(Currently there is no approved
treatment for SMA. The cause of the
disease is known so development of effective therapies are needed. Learn more and or donate at http://www.curesma.org/sma/about-sma/)
Spiritual reflections
…And the Lords healing power was
strongly with Jesus. Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat.
They tired to push through the crowd to Jesus. But they couldn’t reach him. So
they went up to the roof, took off some tiles, and lowered the sick man into
the crowd, still on his mat, right in front of Jesus. (Luke 5: 17-19).
It was the faith of this man’s
friends that impressed Jesus. The man was healed by the perseverance of his friends.
Other Sources
Learn about SMA http://www.curesma.org/sma/about-sma/
SMA http://curesma.org/
PA Chapter of SMA- pennsylvania@curesma.org
Maslow theory http://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html
PA Chapter of SMA- pennsylvania@curesma.org
Maslow theory http://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html