The girl who found strength in her weakness.

Writing to an Austrian president at the age of 10 and thinking of others while doing so? The short film “The girl who found strength in her weakness” tells the story of 10-year-old Maya from Upper Austria. Thanks to the support of her family and friends, the young lady is able to develop her skills despite motor challenges. SMA (spinal muscular atrophy) is a genetic disease that affects the motor nerve cells (motor neurons) in the spinal cord. Motor neurons are responsible for controlling the muscles required for movement and strength. In people with SMA, motor neurons degenerate, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. At the ADELI Medical Center in Piešťany, Maya has found a place where she can complete extremely intensive therapy stays while being treated with respect and love. Maya is one of the first children to have received the drug Spinraza. Since October 2021, Maya has been receiving the drug, for which anesthesia is no longer required. Risdiplam is an oral medication for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). It was developed to increase the production of the SMN (Survival of Motor Neuron) protein, which is necessary for the function and survival of motor neurons.