Dear Friends in the Fight!

We are thrilled with the passage of the NPRNA in the House of Representatives! Many thanks for all that you have done to make this happen.

Now — on to the Senate and from there to desk of the President of the United States!

Please help us build this critical support in the Senate by writing your Senator through their website and also phoning the Capitol Hill office. You can copy and paste the draft letter below for email or fax.  We’ve also listed talking points. Here’s a link that could be helpful: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm .  When you write or call, we strongly encourage you to mention your family’s story and experience with SMA.

Thank you so very much!

Yours in the fight,

Martha Slay
Co-founder
FightSMA

(Letter to be sent via Senator’s website)

Dear Senator ____________,Here in [STATE], I’ve had the privilege to be involved with FightSMA, a non-profit organization of families in our state and across the country working to find a treatment for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the leading genetic killer of children under two.  Along with millions of other families living with rare pediatric diseases, I am proud to support S.424, the National Pediatric Research Network Act (NPRNA).  I write you today to ask for your support in passing this critical legislation, which will lead to increased research and enhanced treatments of devastating pediatric diseases.

The NPRNA was introduced in the U.S. Senate on February 28, 2013, by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Roger Wicker (R-MS).  The bipartisan coalition of original cosponsors includes Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Susan Collins (R-ME), Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).  Senate introduction of the NPRNA comes just weeks after the House of Representatives passed the NPRNA by an overwhelming 375-27 bipartisan vote, thanks to the leadership of Reps. Lois Capps (D-CA), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Fred Upton (R-MI) and Eric Cantor (R-VA).
My family and others in [STATE] are thrilled that the Senate will begin consideration of the NPRNA and we anticipate that the legislation will receive additional broad bipartisan support as it advances.  For more information on the bill, please feel free to contact Valarie Molaison in Sen. Brown’s office (Valarie_Molaison@brown.senate.gov) or Sarah Lloyd Allred in Sen. Wicker’s office (SarahLloyd_Allred@wicker.senate.gov).
Thank you very much for your consideration.  Your support would mean the world to [STATE] families, and we are ready to do whatever it takes to help move this provision across the finish line.Sincerely,

________

(Talking points for phone call)

  • I am a constituent of Senator NAME
  • I am phoning today to urge Senator NAME to cosponsor the National Pediatric Research Network Act of 2013 (S. 424/H.R. 225)
  • This legislation will benefit SMA and other rare diseases.
  • There are nearly 7,000 rare diseases affecting 25 to 30 million people most of whom are children.
  • Mention your family’s story and experience with SMA.
  • The Senator’s co sponsorship of NPRNA would mean the world to me and other families across STATE
  • Thank you for your consideration!