The parents of a newborn baby in Sanger have learned to live each day to the fullest.

Evan Diaz was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy five weeks ago. The survival rate is only twenty percent. Currently there is no known treatment or cure.

From a distance the handsome little boy with big brown eyes and a full head of hair looks like any other 12 week old baby. But when you move closer you discover every breath is a challenge for Evan Diaz. "He's still struggling as you can hear to get rid of that flim and bring it all down. But thankfully he is stable," said his Dad Henry Diaz.

Henry and Maricela Diaz are the proud parents of Evan. Since he was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy or SMA in early November they have been by his crib 24–7. Babies with SMA only have a 20 percent chance of survival. "He's a fighter though. As you can see him he looks very content."

In the past five weeks Evan's parents have had to become quick studies on medical hardware that he needs to survive. His nutrition comes from a feeding tube. There's also a machine to clear Evan's throat.

"Us as normal were able to cough out that flim. He's not able to do that. He doesn't have strength to do that so we use the cough assist to help him get rid of that secretion."

The medical equipment keeping Evan alive comes at a steep price. "The expensive thing is you can't buy em. You can't purchase the equipment. They're all rentals."

Insurance only pays for half of the rental cost. A long time friend of Maricela's is putting together a benefit bike ride in January to help them with their mounting medical bills.

The Diaz's also have two daughters ages 4 and 11. Nearly six years ago they lost their first son Julian to sudden infant death syndrome. Now they take nothing for granted. "Keeping him comfortable and enjoying him every second I have him. Because we just don't know."

A benefit bike ride is planned for January 28 in Sanger to help with medical costs. If you can't participate you can still contribute. An account has been set up at Chase Bank in Evan's name. The account number is 3013054803.

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