Last Saturday, it was with great honor that the North Charleston Fire Department named Max High a “Firefighter for the Day.” Before turning one year old, Max was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a rare degenerative genetic disorder that affects the spinal cord and nerves, resulting in muscle wasting and weakness. Now seven, Max is a cheerful boy with a terrific smile, but had the aspiration to spend the day being a firefighter.
For Max’s special day, the Fire Department arrived at his home with the city’s newest ladder truck to give him a ride to the city’s newest fire station. During the day, Max was presented with a real firefighter’s helmet and a life-sized stuffed dalmation, was lifted in the ladder bucket, used a fire hose and toured the station with our firefighters.
The day was exceptionally moving for our firefighters involved. We hope the city’s efforts made the day unforgettable for Max and helped spread awareness about Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy has no cure or treatment. More information on the disorder is provided by the SMA Foundation.