Zoe Grisez, Age 13
Colorado Springs, CO

Home and Family

Zoe is the daughter of Mark and Lorraine Grisez.

Diagnosis

Zoe was diagnosed with SMA Type II in December of 2002. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disease affecting the part of the nervous system that controls voluntary muscle movement. The age at which SMA symptoms begin roughly correlates with the degree to which motor function is affected: The earlier the age of onset, the greater the impact on motor function. The biggest potential problems in SMA are respiratory muscle weakness, swallowing muscle weakness, and back muscle weakness with progressive spinal curvature.

School

Zoe is currently in 8th grade attending middle school.

Interests

Zoe’s interests include art, drama, and theater. She also enjoys going to concerts, meeting pop stars, and traveling.

MDA Activities

Zoe and her family have been involved with the MDA for many years. Some of her favorite events include the MDA Muscle Walk, Shamrocks Against Muscular Dystrophy, ERA Banquet and Art Show and of course, MDA Summer Camp!