Unfortunately, the treatment of babies with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), the bleeding wound of Turkey, is not covered by the state. Many mothers and fathers, who rely on expensive drugs abroad to hold on to life, are fighting hard for the health of their offspring with SMA. Emine Asya Kaya, a patient with SMA Type-1 in Malatya, is one of the babies waiting for help. The parents of Emine Asya started an aid campaign for the baby Emine Asya, who needed to reach the 1 million 900 dollars zolgensma medicine available abroad before she turned 2 years old. Within the scope of the campaign, which was initiated with the permission of the Malatya Governorate, hundreds of volunteers struggle to keep Emine Asya baby alive, both financially and morally. Mother Neslihan Kaya and father Aziz Kaya reached the Milli Gazete, explaining the situation of the baby Emine Asya and giving information about the campaign they started.
“I TRUST THE TURKISH PEOPLE”
Mother Neslihan Kaya, who gave information about the baby's condition, Emine Asya, who has SMA Type-1, said: “My baby, who was diagnosed with SMA when she was 6 months old, started to lose her muscles gradually with the effect of the disease. If she does not take her medicine, it can result in death. My baby can breathe and feed with her tracheostomy and ‘pegi’ at home. I am very afraid of my baby dying. However, I trust the Turkish people. This medicine, which can help my baby find healing, is very expensive. I feel stuck, but I have never lost hope. I am doing my best and I will do my best for my child's survival, but state officials should now give hope to children with SMA.”
“EVERY FAMILY BRINGS A GREAT STRUGGLE”
Father Aziz Kaya, on the other hand, stated that they were hopeful about the campaign they started for his baby, and said, “Emine Asya entered a huge war with her tiny body and caught an infection. Her breathing was obstructed, then our hospital processes began. There are many babies with SMA, and every family puts up a big struggle. I hope my baby will recover and get well. But I took every chance. I made a deal at the notary. If something happens to my child, the money we collect will be transferred to another baby with SMA.”