Christopher Hay, Age 8
Hubbard, OR

Home and Family

Christopher is the son of Tammy and James Hay. He has one older sister, Emily.

Diagnosis

Christopher has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 2. He was diagnosed in September of 2007. SMA is a genetic disease affecting the part of the nervous system that controls voluntary muscle movement.

School

Christopher is currently in the 3rd grade and enjoys Math, PE, and Music.

Interests

Christopher enjoys Legos, video games – specifically Minecraft, camping and hiking. He enjoys comic book writing and drawing. He also actively participates in Cub Scouts, Oregon Adaptive Sports and Shriners Recreational Therapy and Movement Arts Program.

MDA Activities

In 2014, Christopher served as the Marion County Local Goodwill Ambassador. He and his family formed a Muscle Walk team that strived to not only raise funds for MDA but also bring in new families. He has attended MDA Summer Camp every year and has also participated with our Fill-the- Boot and Lock-Up events. Christopher and his family have attended numerous other local MDA events during the year. Christopher has been very involved in the Recreational Therapy and Movement Arts Program at Shriners Hospital, and has even spoken to other MDA families about his experience through our family night support group. Christopher continues to raise awareness in his surrounding communities.