Spinal muscular atrophy is a rare but debilitating genetic disease. It affects about one in every 15,000 babies born each year and can impact a child's ability to walk, breathe, and, in some cases, can be fatal.

But one North Texas teen with SMA isn't letting his condition stop him from chasing his dream of becoming a college athlete.

"I'm very competitive. I love to win," said Charlie Zerzan. "I love defense, I love smacking the ball straight out of someone's face, I love shooting it from deep. I love everything about it, genuinely."

Diagnosed before age two

His love for the game won't allow him to give it up, even if he's limited by a genetic disease.

"I was diagnosed with SMA, just under two years old," said Zerzan.

Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic disorder that impacts the ne

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