Anyone who has met Will knows that he radiates joy. He is funny and energetic, and he cares deeply about his family and friends. He puts smiles on faces everywhere he goes. He also faces a number of challenges that come with SMS: learning difficulties, hyperactivity, difficulty with transitions, big emotions, gross and fine motor delays, sleep disturbances, and a host of medical complications. We don't want to change Will- we want to help reduce or eliminate some of these challenges to help improve his quality of life. 

Donating to Walk for Will means donating to the SMS Research Foundation (SMSRF). The SMSRF is dedicated to funding research on genetic therapies targetting SMS. While we don't expect to "cure" SMS, we know from the work that has been done so far that the potential is there to improve or eliminate some of the key symptoms of SMS. Importantly, the genetic therapies that are being investigated in the context of SMS can be repackaged to treat other rare diseases. This means that donating to the SMSRF means contributing to treatments for a wide range of genetic conditions and, in turn, impacting countless lives.

Please join us on September 26, 2026 at 9:00AM at Como Lake Pavilion in St. Paul, MN to walk 1.7 miles with Will. If you're unable to join us in person, please join us virtually from wherever you are. We'd love to see your pictures! Every step counts.