Lizzie Chamberlain, Age 12
Jacksonville, IL

Home and Family

Lizzie is the daughter of Lori and Jeff Chamberlain and is the younger sibling of Corinne (20) and Zachary (15).

Diagnosis

At the age of 11, Lizzie was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 3. 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

Lizzie is in the 6th grade and her favorite subjects are reading and music.

Interests

Lizzie’s biggest passions are to sing and act! She performs with the local children’s choir and community theater program. She is also an avid swimmer and competes on her local YMCA team. Additionally, Lizzie is an active member of her church’s youth group.

MDA Activities

Lizzie and her family are an active part of the MDA community. They have represented many MDA fundraising programs including Shamrocks, Fill-The-Boot, and Lock-Ups. Her family and friends formed a Muscle Walk team called “Lizzie’s Leapin’ Lizards.” Lizzie’s favorite week of the year is MDA Summer Camp! Her favorite camp activities include karaoke, swimming, riding horses, and reuniting with all her camp buddies.