Mia,5, and Madison,7, are two young girls fighting for their lives against Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Mia was diagnosed with SMA at 2 years old. After a year of countless doctor’s visits and unanswered questions, Mia’s mother decided that it was time to make a change. Madison has been fighting SMA since she was just 6 months old.  After the diagnosis, Madison’s mother knew that she needed to do her part to help save her daughter’s life.  The two mothers felt an internal responsibility to make a difference. Mothers and founders Fiorenna Fuentes and Jennifer Miller-Smith started the Gala of Hope out of desperation to save their daughter’s lives.

The Gala of Hope began in 2011 as an annual fundraising event.  After being informed by doctors that there was no cure for SMA, Fiorenna went home to comfort her daughter and began thinking of ways to rebuild hope. Jen was actively involved in many fundraisers and had a solid network background to give the Gala of Hope a strong foundation.  Their strong motivation, teamwork and love for their daughters has made the Gala of Hope the success it is today.

The best part about the Gala of Hope, the founders say, is bringing everyone together and seeing the end success.  Throughout the years, the Gala of Hope has raised over $450,000.  That number is expected to grow tremendously through this year’s event.  It is expected to be the largest event in the Gala of Hope history, hosting over 400 guests.

The 2014 Annual Gala of Hope will be held at Ferrari-Maserati of Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, October 2, 2014, beginning at 7 p.m.  For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.FSMA.org/GalaOfHope.