Local Infant Receives Life-Saving Gene Therapy at 14 Days Old; Family Advocates for SMA Awareness
Story and images by Jamie Shanahan
The Dalles, Ore., April 7, 2026 — The family of Georgia Moses Shanahan is proud to announce that at just 14 days old, Georgia successfully received Zolgensma, a groundbreaking one-time gene therapy infusion for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
Early detection was key in treating the newborn, especially as the parents were unaware they were carrying the gene that causes Spinal Muscular Atrophy, which takes away the ability to walk, eat or breathe. Jamie and Dan Shanahan highly recommended new parents are screened for the gene to protect their children.
The infusion was given at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital by Dr. Meagan Leach, under supervision of Erika Finanger, M.D., consulting pediatric neurologist at Shriners Children's Portland. Thanks to early detection through newborn screening, Georgia remains completely asymptomatic, providing her with the best possible chance for a normal developmental future.
Georgia Moses Shanahan
SMA is a rare genetic neuromuscular disease caused by a missing or non-working SMN1 gene. Without treatment, it is a leading genetic cause of infant mortality. However, clinical studies show that infants treated pre-symptomatically—specifically within the first weeks of life—can achieve significant motor milestones, such as sitting, standing, and walking, that were previously thought impossible.
Georgia was diagnosed with the rare gene 14 days after she was born. Early detection was critical in treating her for Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
“Georgia is a pioneer for what is possible when we catch this disease before it starts,” said Dan Shanahan, the father. “At 14 days old, she received the most advanced treatment available. While she faces a lifelong journey into the unknown, her status as an asymptomatic patient is a testament to the power of early intervention.”
As Georgia grows, the family remains focused on her health and the advocacy work needed to ensure every child has access to these life-altering medical advancements. Zolgensma is currently the most expensive drug in the world, and not every insurance company provides treatment without a fight. Georgia is now 2 years old, and is showing no signs of the disease. Her sisters do not have SMA, but may be silent carriers. More research will be needed on all frontiers of SMA, to determine what the future will hold for children like Georgia and her sisters.
Shanahan Family
For more information on Georgia’s journey or to learn more about Spinal Muscular Atrophy advocacy, please contact Jamie Shanahan (541) 647-4188.
About Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA):
SMA is a genetic condition that affects the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord, taking away the ability to walk, eat, or breathe. Recent advancements in gene therapy, such as Zolgensma, address the genetic root cause by replacing the missing gene, halting the progression of the disease.
