MADISON, Wis. -- An area girl's belief in herself is a source of strength in her battle with a rare muscular disorder.

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Annie Heathcote, 10, of Mazomanie, is living with spinal muscular atrophy. She was born with the disease, in which the communication between brain and muscles doesn't work.

According to the National Spinal Muscular Atrophy Family Support Group, one in 6,000 babies are born with SMA.

There are four types of the disease, with the most severe diagnosed when the child is less than 6 months old.

In Annie's case, her parents knew there was something wrong. She never tried to crawl as a baby, and she can't stand or walk.

But her family said it is Annie's abilities that make her an inspiration.

Annie uses her creative thinking to easily keep pace with her brothers and sisters.

"I'm just doing what they do, like normal. I try to do like a normal person would," Annie said. "My muscles aren't as strong. I can't go as many places and do as much stuff, so I try to make the best of my life."

Her parents George and Melinda Heathcote learned early in Annie's life that she would never use her legs.

"Annie never crawled, stood up (or) walked. Her wheelchair provides mobility," George Heathcote said.

"She never complains about having SMA It's not an issue. She has a great attitude," said Melinda Heathcote.

Annie's latest accomplishment is ice hockey.

"If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything," Annie said. "They kept fighting for the puck, and it bounced off a chair and I hit it in. It felt really good. It's my first goal in hockey."

"The key is to remove barriers and give her opportunities," said George Heathcote.

"College, marriage, family -- all the things I want for my other kids, I want for her," said Melinda Heathcote. "I hope they think they can do anything if they put their mind to it."

Annie said she wants to learn to play drums, go to college and be a newscaster.

Annie also has some inspiration while on the ice. A dozen local volunteers coach, referee and even push the Rolling Flames Youth Hockey League's members, like Annie.

A few volunteers are members of the University of Wisconsin-Madison women's hockey team.

"(When I'm) pushing them around, seeing them smile, laugh and enjoying something as much as I do, it's a great experience," said Kayla Hagen, right wing on the Badgers women's hockey team.

Researchers at American Family Children's Hospital in Madison are working on finding a cure to the disease.

Dr. Mary Schroth is currently treating 60 children with spinal muscular atrophy at the hospital. She is also leading the research on drugs to help build strength and said that she thinks three drugs show great promise. Clinical trials on those medications are underway.

The Heathcotes have been so affected by the help they receive from American Family Children's Hospital that four of their five children, including Annie, won a spot for their artwork in a first-time children's calendar.

"They're kind to other people. They care and they do want to help you and find a cure," Annie said.

The 2009 children's art calendar is available at the American Family Children's Hospital gift shop, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Hospital gift shop and online at this Web site.