In January, Gray was able to enjoy the snow several times. However, in February, Gray had to be hospitalized for six days with pneumonia. It was quite a trying time for all of us and many sleepless nights were spent by his bedside in the hospital. Gray was a trooper with the help of some great doctors and a variety of Scooby Doo videos! We were so grateful to have such wonderful support from our family and friends. Thank you to everyone who kept us in your prayers. Although it was a scary experience, we now have working knowledge of how Gray’s equipment is utilized. Now at the slightest hint of a cold, we jump on the preventive measures of the nebulizer, pulse oximeter, chest PT with the linear percussor, and the cough machine. Gray still visits Carla Scott, his Physical Therapist, regularly. She watches his improvement or decline and makes suggestions to help his tightness, etc.

Gray participated in Wheelchair Soccer this winter through the Adaptive Sports and Rec Program. He loved being there and wheeling around with the eight other players. However, it was a challenge for him to show interest in the actual soccer game. Which is typical for a four-year old! We are looking forward to him being involved in more activities through their program.

The Variety Society, a local group of friends including Mike’s sisters and myself, held a big yard sale and donated all the proceeds to Adaptive Sports in Charlotte. They raised over $350! Thanks to all who worked on the sale and donated items! They will make this an annual spring event.

The neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt was held in our yard this year. Gray loved it and talked about it for weeks. He was the lucky duck that found the golden egg that contained a coupon for Ben & Jerry’s!

With May came Gray’s graduation from Pre-School. All of the children were adorable and all smiles. However, because Gray is only four-year old, he’ll be back next year! We anticipate he will graduate with honors.

Many fun activities are planned for our summer: cousin Joey’s wedding in DC, the FSMA conference in DC, and Aunt Suzy’s wedding in Charlotte. Gray has been chosen to perform the role of ring bearer in Aunt Suzy and Uncle Brian’s wedding. His dad has installed a speed control device to prevent Gray from running over his cousin Renny, the flower girl. (J.K.) Trips to Florida, the beach, and maybe Highlands, NC are in the works!

In June we went to the FSMA Conference in Washington DC. We increased our knowledge about SMA and how to live with this disease. Gray had a blast playing with the other children. The best news of all was that Gray was chosen to receive a “Standing Danny.” It’s a motorized standing frame that Gray can stand in and go with the aid of supports…FAST! The Davis Made company invented the Standing Danny and an anonymous donor gave FSMA five to give away. We are so fortunate to have been chosen and are so thankful for this donor.

Also in June, Gray made his debut in the Standing Danny at his Aunt Suzy and Uncle Brian’s wedding. He was the ring bearer and strolled down the aisle. It was a sight to see.

During the months of July and August, Gray enjoyed the summer going to the pool, movies, library and Chuck-E-Cheese a few times. We took a family trip to Hilton Head and visited Vero Beach and Sea World. Gray had lots of fun building sand castles and swimming in the ocean with his dad.