After blasting the internet and email with calls for support, the entire SMA Community is waiting to learn if the Advisory Panel for the American Express Members Project will select the fight to cure spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) to move to the next round of the competition.

In its second year, the Members Project is an online program that encourages American Express cardholders to submit ideas for “innovative projects that could make a difference in the world.” The Project’s Advisory Panel will select 25 projects from those submitted and cardholders will vote for their favorites. In the end, American Express will provide $2.5 million in funding for the top five projects.

As of this morning, the project Cure SMA was listed as #25 on the overall list of “Most Nominated Projects,” receiving 2072 nominations. According to the website, “American Express is looking for projects that are achievable, innovative, and stand to have a positive impact that touches the lives of people in a significant way.” Finding a cure for SMA fits these requirements. With proper funding, SMA researchers believe that a treatment and a cure may only be years away. The science is cutting-edge and it is the position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke that the research “would have implications for other diseases.” And, defeating the number-one genetic killer of infants would certainly touch many, many lives.

The nominating period has ended, but AmEx cardholders and non-cardholders can still show support on the Members Project message boards. The list of 25 projects to be voted upon will the announced September 9th.