MDA Champion: Senator John Barrasso (R-WY)

Senator John Barrasso is a longtime friend of MDA, having served as Telethon Emcee for Wyoming’s Labor Day efforts on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon on KTWO-TV, Channel 2, in Casper for more than 25 years.

Senator John Barrasso

But along with friendship and unyielding support, Senator Barrasso’s in-depth understanding of the issues of importance to families within our MDA community, as well as his unique professional background have made him an extraordinary champion for members of our MDA community nationwide.

Senator Barrasso spent 24 years as an orthopedic surgeon in Casper and is known for  promoting critical public health messages in his home state; Dr. Barrasso  has served in a number of medical leadership roles including his service as President of the Wyoming Medical Society and was named Wyoming Physician of the Year. He also served as medical director of the Wyoming Health Fairs, bringing low-cost health screening exams to people all around the Cowboy State.

Now the national MDA community benefits from Dr. Barrasso’s expertise and perspective: in 2007 after having represented the people of Natrona County in the Wyoming State Senate for five years, Dr. Barrasso was appointed to the United States’ Senate to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Senator Craig Thomas.

“Throughout the 25 years I've helped host the Telethon, I’ve been impressed with the good that is done by the Muscular Dystrophy Association. I’m astonished by the courage of the people with neuromuscular diseases,” Senator Barrasso said.  “I’ve been struck by the generosity of the people of Wyoming. We've seen remarkable medical progress. We've also lost friends. There's more work to be done before we write the final chapter in the fight against these diseases.”