DETROIT – A nine-month-old baby with a terminal illness has become an inspiration in Metro Detroit.
Connor Smith's parents love going to Comerica Park to watch the Detroit Tigers, and thought Connor would love baseball too. That would all change when a doctor confirmed their worst fears.
Connor was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy. It's a genetic disease that attacks nerve cells in the spinal cord. Only 20-percent of babies diagnosed with SMA live past their first birthday.
Kristen and Dustin Smith want their son to experience a life as normal as possible, and brought him to Comerica Park Friday night. They were invited by the Carelink Company of Grand Rapids.
Connor is unable to breathe, swallow or move his legs on his own. He needs special equipment when traveling away from home.
When Kristen and Dustin are not tending to Connor, they are educating people about this mysterious, and largely unknown disease.
The Smiths don't know how many more nights they'll have with Connor. They wanted to do one big thing with Connor, and going to Comerica Park made their dream come true.
To learn more about SMA, and what you can do to help, click here.