One of the wealthy regulars on the TV show Shark Tank made his millions by starting a home-based business selling tee shirts.
An article in Bridgeport’s ctPost publication chronicles the efforts of young David Alvarez as he struggles with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) while juggling running a business and attending college.
David Alvarez, a student at Bridgeport University, may not be making a million dollars through his tee shirt company, but his success at battling SMA cannot be measured in terms of dollars. It is worth much more.
The Beginning of David’s Symptoms
David’s first symptoms began about the time he started school. He was slower than the others in his class and had to stop and rest even after walking for short distances. He had difficulty using stairs and began losing his balance.
David is now nineteen and in his second year at Bridgeport University. As he looks back he explains that he was not in pain but had the feeling of overwhelming weakness.
Madeline, David’s mother, accompanied David to the ctPost interview. She said that David kept telling her that he was getting weaker. She said that her husband and David’s sister arranged the family’s activities to accommodate David.
For twelve years, they watched helplessly as David declined.
It is not that David’s parents did not try everything to find the cause of his illness. They took him to be examined by many physicians and there were many different evaluations.
One of the doctors who could not determine what was causing the illness nevertheless indicated that David would be wheelchair-bound by the age of thirteen.
The Illness Had Many Side Effects
As anyone can imagine, David’s illness was especially draining on David’s family. However, David refused to give in and insisted that he was not going to let his illness get to him.
David never felt sorry for himself and often said that he was going to do what he wanted to do (and he has).
If you want to see David smile just mention his “Made Clothings” brand tee shirts.
David explains that through his company he is sending a message to people who are struggling through life’s hardships.
But First The Diagnosis
David’s mother recalls that it was a shock to learn that her son had SMA, but after absorbing the diagnosis, she said she was so happy to know there was a treatment.
That was in 2017 when David began spinal injections of the newly FDA approved drug Spinraza, which he receives four times each year.
Spinraza is definitely working. David is pleasantly surprised at the constant improvement in his mobility and newly found strength. He is now able to lift weights.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy
A deficiency in SMN, a motor neuron protein, has been found to cause SMA. This protein is responsible for nerve cells in the spine that control movement. If there is a deficiency in SMN, the nerve cells are unable to send those signals to muscles resulting in progressive muscle weakness.
And Now Some Good News
A high school friend told David how he bought tee shirts, sewed a logo on them, and sold the tee shirts to friends.
David liked the idea and thought that it would be compatible with his goal of helping others.
The design he used was simple but attractive, incorporating a bold color scheme of black, white, and red with the Japanese character for “made.” He began by selling the shirts to family and friends.
The shirts are unisex in design and retail for $24.95 at madeclothings.com.
Now that his health is improving, David wants to expand the business with a larger variety of clothing.
He is also setting up speaking tours at local high schools to tell his story to others. David likes to say that SMA is a gift that has made him stronger.
What are your thoughts about the way David has coped with SMA? Share your stories, thoughts, and hopes with the Patient Worthy community!
