MEET GIANNI
Although Gianni was treated for chronic constipation when he was an infant, his family didn’t learn he had Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) until just after his third birthday. His low muscle tone, abnormal gait and gross motor delay were all addressed through physical therapy, but when additional tests showed abnormal results a genetic test was ordered. SMA is a disease that affect nerve cells in the spinal cord and causes weakening of voluntary muscles that control things like crawling, swallowing, breathing or other functions.
Gianni is meeting all his milestones on time, but still has trouble with stairs and has a hard time walking long distances. He wears ankle braces to help with stability and continues to receive treatments at Nationwide Children’s where he works hard in therapy every week. “Nationwide Children’s Hospital means everything to our family! Our baby boy’s diagnosis was the darkest and scariest time in our lives. We feel so blessed to live in Columbus and have Nationwide Children’s as our medical home” says Natalie, Gianni’s mom.
Gianni is now six years old and loves Superheroes. He very determined and doesn’t let anything stand in his way. He loves taekwondo and t-ball, as well as playing actions figures and LEGOS with his big brother.