Spokespeople and Honorees - Welcome to MDA | Muscular Dystrophy Association

Initiated in 1992, the national awards program recognizes the accomplishments and community service of adults over 18 with disabilities due to any of the diseases in MDA's program.

The awards were renamed in honor of Robert Ross, MDA's longtime chief executive, who died in June 2006. Ross created the Personal Achievement Award program to educate the public that disability is no obstacle to accomplishment.

Each local MDA chapter selects a local recipient; all local recipients automatically are considered for a state award; and all state award recipients are considered for the national award, which is announced every year on the MDA Labor Day Telethon.

Click on any state to view its 2011 PAA recipient

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Renee Houston, 53
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy
Gardendale, Ala.

Affected by Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) since she was 12, Renee Houston has been an elementary school teacher in the Jefferson County school system for over 30 years, and is a multiple nominee to Who’s Who Among American Teachers. She is active at MDA fundraising and awareness events, and began volunteering her time for the American Cancer Society after one of her students was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer a few years ago. LGMD causes weakness in voluntary muscles, mainly those of the shoulders, arms, hips and legs. Renee uses a power chair for mobility.
Justin Freestone, 26
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Anchorage, Alaska

Justin Freestone's parents learned he has Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) when he was 5 years old. Now a young adult, he uses a power chair for mobility and full-time mechanical ventilation to help him breathe. A college student working toward a degree in psychology or social work, Freestone hopes to become a counselor in order to advocate for children with disabilities. He also is active with MDA, and frequently speaks to school groups, parents of children with disabilities, and others about overcoming challenges and believing in the future.
Asim Varma, 28
Becker muscular dystrophy
Phoenix, Ariz.

Asim Varma has Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) and uses a power chair for mobility and a ventilation machine at night to sleep. Born in India, Varma moved to the United States when he was 4, and always resisted special education programs, insisting on attending regular schools. After graduating cum laude from Arizona State University in 2005, he went on to attain his law degree from ASU in 2009. Varma became a member of the Arizona Bar last year. Now a practicing attorney, Varma's focus is on disability law and helping others with disabilities achieve their goals.
Leigh Green, 43
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Sherwood, Ark.

Leigh Green, who learned she has ALS in 2008, is a caring and involved mother to her three young daughters. Green has created a foundation to raise funds for the education of children of parents with ALS, as well as for two local charities and MDA's ALS Division. Green raises money for the foundation by selling note cards and other items featuring her artwork. She recently held an art auction that raised some $9,000 for the foundation.
Leslie Krongold, 49
Myotonic muscular dystrophy
Alameda, Calif.

Despite intermittent muscle weakness and fatigue, Leslie Krongold holds a doctorate in education, and has worked as a teacher, writer and multimedia producer in both colleges and high schools. Ironically, she was a dedicated volunteer for MDA long before she received her diagnosis of Myotonic muscular dystrophy (MMD) in 1998. She grew up in Florida and was MDA's youth chairman in Dade County, as well as a summer camp counselor and active fundraiser. She currently facilitates three support groups, and serves on the City of Alameda's Commission on Disability Issues.
Daniel Pope, 46
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy
Longmont, Colo.

Affected by Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD), Daniel Pope is medically retired from his job in the architectural millwork industry. In recent years, as a patient outreach volunteer with the advocacy group Sensible Colorado, Pope has worked with state officials to set standards and put controls on the medical marijuana industry while making sure patients' needs were considered. Pope also is an active volunteer for MDA in the Denver and Fort Collins offices.
Paul Breslawski, 22
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Monroe, Conn.

Affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Paul Breslawski uses a power chair for mobility and has an implanted cardiac defibrillator to help his heart beat normally. He graduated in May 2011 from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., with a degree in political science. Breslawski is interested in government and politics, and has done volunteer work for several lawmakers. He plans to attend either graduate school to become a social studies teacher or law school. He credits his family, friends and faith with helping him to maintain a positive attitude. In addition to politics, Breslawski enjoys video games and rock music.
David Lynch, 43
Becker muscular dystrophy
Wilmington, Del.

David Lynch holds several business degrees and worked as a customer service representative for a financial institution. Lynch, who uses a power wheelchair for mobility due to Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), also is active with MDA and other organizations that help people with disabilities, and serves as a deacon of his church.
Cristal Locke, 39
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
Miami, Fla.

Cristal Locke has held a variety of positions in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools, including elementary school teacher, reading coach, curriculum support specialist and assistant principal. As a person with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), Locke understands the pain and misunderstanding that students with disabilities often experience. She has initiated several activities to help support disabled students and enable them to fully participate in school. Locke also is an active volunteer for MDA.
Gail Allen, 42
Dermatomyositis
Marietta, Ga.

Gail Allen is affected by Dermatomyositis (DM), a neuromuscular disease that causes weakness of shoulder and limb muscles and joint pain. Finding it very difficult to walk at the time of her diagnosis 13 years ago, she now walks unaided, thanks to medication. Allen was the sole support for her 8-year-old son when she began falling inexplicably and discovered she had the disease. Believing a disability isn't a crutch, Allen persevered. With medical treatment through her MDA clinic, she continued working and raising her son, eventually obtaining a college degree. For 10 years, Allen has been a contract administrator for Georgia Pacific.
Glenn Nakamura, 56
Spinal muscular atrophy
Mililani, Hawaii

Glenn Nakamura is affected by Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) which causes generalized muscle weakness and atrophy. Nakamura uses a power chair for mobility. The youngest of three brothers with SMA, he hasn't allowed the disease to slow him down much. Formerly a human resources director for 17 PayLess Drug Stores and later Hawaii operations manager for Grocery Outlet, Nakamura believes that assisting people with disabilities is a vital part of quality customer service. Now retired, Nakamura uses legislative and judicial efforts to help ensure people with disabilities enjoy equal rights and opportunities. He also keeps busy with MDA fundraising efforts.
Victoria Tschohl, 20
Spinal muscular atrophy
Middleton, Idaho

A former two-time MDA Idaho Goodwill Ambassador, Tschohl is now a top student at the College of Idaho, attending on a full scholarship. She also keeps busy with numerous volunteer activities, such as organizing blanket drives and supply drives for local support agencies, and speaking to groups about living with a disability. As an MDA volunteer, she has participated in several fundraising events and advocated in support of the SMA Treatment Acceleration Act and the ABLE Act. Tschohl has type 2 Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which causes extensive muscle weakness in the arms, legs, upper and lower torso, as well as respiratory problems. She uses a power wheelchair for mobility.
Scott Crane, 23
Centronuclear myopathy
Northbrook, Ill.

Scott Crane, 23, was affected by a form of centronuclear myopathy called myotubular myopathy that causes loss of muscle tone and strength. Crane was a talented chef who also was an active volunteer for MDA. He helped form a charity called “In Chef’s Hands – Food Therapy for the Soul,” which teams chefs with adults and children with special needs. Sadly, Crane passed away Saturday, June 11, 2011, three days before his charity was launched.

Click here for more information about Scott Crane

Katrina Gossett, 26
Spinal muscular atrophy
Indianapolis, Ind.

Affected by Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Katrina Gossett graduated summa cum laude from Notre Dame University and the University of Chicago Law School and now lives independently and works for a law firm in downtown Indianapolis. Gossett, who uses a power chair for mobility, is extensively involved in community activities and volunteers frequently for MDA. She serves on the Governor's Council for People with Disabilities and is a facilitator for a MDA young adult social group, among other activities.
Zachary Dix, 21
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Council Bluffs, Iowa

Zachary Dix has Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which causes severe muscle weakness and atrophy. Receiving his DMD diagnosis in 1996, he now uses a power chair for mobility. An honor student throughout high school and college, he recently received a degree in graphic design from Iowa Western Community College. Dix also was recognized by MDA 10 years ago, when he served as the MDA Goodwill Ambassador for Iowa. Since 1998, Dix and his family have raised over a half-million dollars for MDA through the MDA Annual Gala they founded and chair in Council Bluffs.
Shanell Nieves, 30
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy
Topeka, Kan.

Shanell Nieves received a diagnosis of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) at age 7. Now an adult, she uses a power wheelchair for mobility and works for an insurance company, where she has shown great ingenuity and creativity in making her work environment accessible for her needs. Nieves attended MDA summer camp as a child and continues to be an active volunteer for MDA and other organizations that help people with disabilities.
Marvin Troy Ellis, 46
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Madisonville, Ky.

Troy Ellis has Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease in which the motor neurons controlling voluntary muscle movements are lost. He uses a power chair for mobility. Prior to receiving his diagnosis in 2007, Ellis was an active brick mason and minister who ran marathons. Though he can no longer run or work at his trade, he still exercises daily with muscle stretching and water therapy, and serves as an associate pastor. As the Kentucky MDA ALS chairman, Ellis is committed to bringing ALS awareness to his community and has been very active in many MDA fundraising activities. Photo courtesy of Jim Pearson

Click here for more information about Marvin "Troy" Ellis
Charles O'Connor, 63
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
New Orleans, La.

Charles O'Connor, who has been legally blind since 1997, learned in 2005 that he has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a condition that causes muscle weakness and atrophy in the feet, lower legs, hands and forearms, as well as loss of sensation in the extremities. He can walk short distances thanks to leg braces, and uses a wheelchair or scooter for distances. The longtime director of the Advanced Materials Research Institute at the University of New Orleans (UNO), O'Conner also has developed outreach programs to community high schools and regional Historically Black Colleges and Universities. As a result of his self-advocacy, his university has provided him with reading and mobility devices to assist him with his work.
Pam Brown, 55
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy
Portland, Maine

Pam Brown has Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD), which causes muscle weakness and atrophy, especially of the muscles around the shoulders and hips. She walks with a cane, but often is slowed by pain and fatigue. Employed by Maine Media Credit Union, Brown also is a key volunteer for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, working on the local MDA Telethon and other fundraising events, and actively participating in support groups as a member and leader. This is the second year in a row that Brown has received this honor.
Brett Felter, 29
Becker muscular dystrophy
Baltimore, Md.

Felter has Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), which causes general weakness and atrophy of all voluntary muscles. He uses a power wheelchair for mobility, drives an adapted van and currently is living independently in an apartment. Felter graduated with honors from the University of Texas School of Law (Austin) in 2007 and went on to become the first Disability Rights Fellow at the Baltimore law firm of Brown, Goldstein and Levy, serving one year in that role. Committed to public-interest advocacy, he is on the board of directors of the Maryland Disabilities Forum and is a member of the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland. He also is an active MDA volunteer, working with an MDA teen support group in Baltimore and participating in fundraising events.
Denise Thomas, 39
Spinal muscular atrophy
Rockville, Md.

Denise Thomas, District of Columbia recipient, received a diagnosis at age 5 of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which causes weakness in arms, legs and the torso; she uses a power chair for mobility. In 2008, Thomas was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Maryland. A proud homeowner who lives independently, she was an honors student while earning her bachelor’s degree in business management from St. Andrews College in North Carolina. Since 1998, Thomas has worked for a Silver Springs, Md., nonprofit organization that offers individual support for people with disabilities to help them achieve their goals in areas such as education and employment.
Ralph Robinson, 45
Becker muscular dystrophy
Boston, Mass.

Robinson, who is affected by Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) and uses a power wheelchair for mobility, is an outspoken advocate for himself and others with disabilities. He speaks frequently at his church and other organizations about disability rights. He also is an active volunteer with MDA, including the Telethon and the Boston ALS Walk on the Esplanade. He enjoys drawing, painting, playing video games and watching sports on TV.
Jori Reijonen, 44
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
Richland, Michigan

Jori Reijonen learned in 2009 that she has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a disease of the peripheral nerves that causes muscle weakness and lack of sensation, primarily in the hands and feet. She walks with the help of orthotic braces. Reijonen, who holds a doctorate in clinical psychology, decided to learn everything she could about her disease. By 2010, she was named neuromuscular diseases editor of BellaOnline, a website for women. Shortly after receiving her diagnosis, she started a support group for others with CMT. Reijonen currently works from home teaching online courses in psychology for the University of Phoenix.
Eric Tulberg, 22
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
White Bear Lake, Minn.

Paul Tulberg, who uses a power chair for mobility and has limited use of his arms, is passionate about sports. Affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Tulberg participated in adaptive athletics in high school and lettered in three sports, in addition to winning all-conference and other honors. He is currently studying physical education and coaching at Southwest Minnesota State University and hopes to work as a youth baseball coach, or some other sports-related job, after graduation. He also has been active with MDA for many years, attending summer camp as a youngster and later volunteering at his local office and at MDA events.
Glen Houston, 70
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
St. Charles, Mo.

In 2003, shortly after retiring from a 37-year career as an engineer at Boeing, Glen Houston received a diagnosis of ALS. He now uses a power chair for mobility and relies on full-time mechanical ventilation, a feeding tube and speech-generating device to help him breathe, eat and talk. With his wife, Linda, he is active in MDA/ALS support groups, providing a positive and helpful resource for those with recent diagnoses. He enjoys sharing strategies for daily living and adaptive inventions that he has devised. Active with his church, Houston also spends as much time as possible with his two grandsons.
Leanne Beers, 37
Dejerine-Sottas disease
Missoula, Mont.

Leanne Beers has Dejerine-Sottas disease (DS), which causes muscle weakness and atrophy in the lower legs, forearms, feet and hands, as well as reduced muscle tone and loss of sensation in the extremities. She uses a power wheelchair for mobility. Beers who in 2007 earned a master's degree in public relations in health communications from Montana State University in Billings has two children, one of whom also has DS. Beers is an independent consultant who, among other things, facilitates support groups for people with brain injuries and assists individuals in accessing state and federal assistance programs. In addition, she is a service dog trainer and board member for Karosel Service Dogs (she has two service dogs herself), and educates the community about laws regarding service animals. Beers serves on the board of directors of Summit for Independent Living, and volunteers with the North America Riding for the Handicap Association. She is very active with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, participating in fundraising and public relations activities, and offering support for individuals and families.

Click here for more information about Leanne Beers
Donna Tonderum, 42
Myotonic muscular dystrophy
Elkhorn, Neb.

Tonderum received a diagnosis of Myotonic muscular dystrophy (MMD) while still in the Air Force and was honorably discharged due to her disability. She went on to graduate from Creighton University in Omaha with a law degree and currently is a private-practice attorney specializing in criminal law. She and her husband have five children ranging in age from 9 months to 12 years; all but one is adopted. A supporter of open adoption, Tonderum speaks frequently on the subject. She and her family also are active in MDA events, including Muscle Walks, Shamrocks, summer camp and the annual gala.
Frank Harris, 60
Myasthenia gravis
Las Vegas, Nev.

Although Frank Harris learned he has Myasthenia gravis (MG) only two years ago, he is no stranger to muscle disease, having lost both a son and a step-son to Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Owner of a Las Vegas construction company, Harris built the local MDA Telethon set more than 15 years ago and each year at Telethon time supervises its assembly. With his workplace just minutes from the local MDA field office, he happily volunteers his services whenever they are needed. MG causes weakness in the muscles of the face, neck and jaw; and later in arm and leg muscles.
James Sullivan, 46
Becker muscular dystrophy
Hooksett, N.H.

James Sullivan is affected by Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) and walks with the assistance of a cane. A college graduate, he has served on several community boards in Hooksett and is active in the local historical society. He belongs to numerous clubs and civic organizations, including a choral group that performs at nursing and retirement homes, bringing joy to the residents.
Robert (Bob) Ciavaglia, 60
Spinal muscular atrophy
Hasbrouck Heights, N.J.

Ciavaglia has Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a disease that causes muscle weakness and atrophy, especially in the muscles closest to the center of the body. He uses a power wheelchair for mobility. Growing up with a neuromuscular disease, Ciavaglia was encouraged to be as independent as possible. His family helped establish the first MDA chapter in New Jersey, and he has been extremely active in MDA activities over the past 40 years. Ciavaglia was a senior analyst at PSE&G in New Jersey for 23 years, retiring in 2005. In addition to his volunteer and advocacy activities, he can be found dancing in his wheelchair or hitting baseballs to kids in the field.
Alfredo Vega, 65
Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy
Silver City, N.M.

Alfredo Vega, who recently received a diagnosis of Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD), has had a long and distinguished career as an educator in New Mexico public schools. He currently heads El Grito Head Start, and has served in a variety of administrative and teaching positions in both Silver City and Las Cruces. He belongs to a number of professional associations, as well as community organizations focusing on education and the arts.
Mary Jane Damiano, 54
Friedreich’s ataxia
Syracuse, N.Y.

Mary Jane Damiano has Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), a neuromuscular disease that causes muscle weakness and loss of balance and coordination. She uses a power chair for mobility and has an assistance dog, Emma, as her constant companion. Damiano earned two college degrees and is now studying law online. She is very active as a community service volunteer, participating in fundraising and awareness events for MDA and other organizations that advocate for the rights of the disabled. She also has volunteered for the Red Cross for many years.
Tabitha Estrellado, 27
Spinal muscular atrophy
New York City, N.Y.

Tabitha Estrellado’s parents learned she has Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) when she was 9 months old. Now a young adult, she uses a power chair for mobility, and has limited use of her arms and hands. Estrellado graduated from Pace University with highest honors in 2006 and currently works for New York Life insurance company. She recently started an employee organization for workers with disabilities and their advocates. Besides being active in MDA events, Estrellado also is a singer-songwriter who has performed at several venues around the city.

Click here for more information about Tabitha Estrellado
Kimberly Christensen, 60
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy
Wilmington, N.C.

Kimberly Christensen has Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD), which causes weakness and atrophy of the muscles around the shoulders and hips. She uses a wheelchair for mobility and is aided by her service dog, Larkin. Christensen is well-known in the Wilmington area for her tireless work as an advocate for people with disabilities. She has joined forces with a number of organizations, such as the disAbility Resource Center, to help educate the public about the barriers people with disabilities face and to illustrate how they can live more independently. A longtime ally of MDA, Christensen has been involved in numerous fundraising initiatives.
Dustin Kromarek, 31
Friedreich's ataxia
Bismarck, N.D.

With a sister who also has Friedreich's ataxia (FA) and a brother who died from the disease, Dustin Kromarek knows intimately the challenges of living with muscle disease that causes muscle weakness, loss of balance and coordination. Diagnosed with FA at age 7, Kromarek lost his sight during his freshman year of college, but persevered and earned a degree in social and behavioral science. Currently, he serves as a motivational speaker at churches and schools, makes visits of encouragement to local hospitals, and volunteers at a home for emotionally troubled children. Kromarek uses a power chair for mobility.
Mary Jane Stumpf, 68
Myotonic muscular dystrophy
Loveland, Ohio

Mary Jane Stumpf has Myotonic muscular dystrophy (MMD), which causes atrophy in muscles of the neck, face, lower arms and lower legs. She received her diagnosis in 1999, after her son, then 26, learned he has the disease. Stumpf continued operating her successful nurse staffing company until 2008. Now retired, she keeps busy advocating for people with disabilities. She worked with the City of Cincinnati to ensure safe and accessible parking for people with disabilities, and was a member of the Closing the Health Gap Committee in Cincinnati, which assists people who are disabled to maintain their rights.
Don Strahorn, 54
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Midwest City, Okla.

Founder of a successful landscaping business with his brother, Don Strahorn retired in 2007 after receiving a diagnosis of ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease). Strahorn remains active in volunteer work in his hometown of Midwest City, and participates frequently in support groups at the MDA/ALS clinic in Oklahoma City. He and his wife of 34 years, Lynda, have four children and seven grandchildren.
Kristen Ware
Friedreich's ataxia
Eugene, Ore.

Kristen Ware has Friedreich's ataxia (FA), a neuromuscular disease that causes muscle weakness and loss of balance and coordination. Ware's speech also is affected by FA, and she uses a power chair for mobility. Ware attended Oregon State University in Corvallis, where she served as a leader of a sorority and an intern in a campus accessibility office. Ware currently volunteers with the Eugene Ballet Company and has performed in productions put on by DanceAbility, a dance program for people with disabilities. She also serves as a mentor for young people with disabilities and recently received the Courage Award at a local MDA event.
Deanne Gerber, 40
Myasthenia gravis
Fredericksburg, Penn.

Deanne Gerber's Myasthenia gravis (MG) has caused difficulties with her swallowing and breathing, as well as generalized muscle weakness that requires the use of a wheelchair at home and a scooter on the job. She works in accounts payable at Harrisburg Area Community College, and in her spare time plays bass in a Christian band called Hearts Afire. She also is active with MDA, volunteering for both the Lebanon Lock-Up and the Ride for Life. For the past five years she has organized the Poker Run, a group motorcycle ride averaging 100 miles roundtrip that raises funds for MDA.
Shane Bourque, 19
Becker muscular dystrophy
Hope Valley, R.I.

Shane Bourque has Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), which causes muscle weakness and atrophy. He recently finished his first year at Rhode Island College, majoring in journalism and broadcasting. Since receiving his diagnosis at age 7, Bourque and his family have been very active in a variety of MDA events. In addition to serving two terms as MDA Goodwill Ambassador for Rhode Island, Bourque has been involved with the local broadcast of the MDA Labor Day Telethon. He and his family were featured nationally during the 2003 Telethon in Los Angeles. Over the years, he has been actively involved in many MDA fundraisers.
Brenda Austin, 62
Dermatomyositis
York, S.C.

Brenda Austin is affected by Dermatomyositis (DM), a neuromuscular disease that causes weakness of shoulder and limb muscles. A retired elementary school teacher, Austin is ambulatory with the aid of a walker; occasionally she uses a manual wheelchair. Shortly after receiving her diagnosis in 2006, Austin registered with MDA and became involved with various activities. She joined an MDA support group, helping it to become a top fundraising team. Recently, she created Adopt a Station, where each member of the support group adopted his or her local fire stations, helping the fire fighters put on their annual MDA Fill the Boot fundraisers.
Sheila Bayer, 63
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Brookings, S.D.

Sheila Bayer, who received a diagnosis of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2007, is a constant presence at her MDA/ALS support group meetings, where she is known for her cheerful and helpful attitude. Bayer uses a power wheelchair for mobility and is losing her ability to speak. She and her husband, Lonnie, have been active with MDA for many years, participating in Shamrocks, Lock-Ups and Muscle Walks, and being featured on the Sioux Falls MDA Telethon in 2009.
Jason Peck, 33
Dermatomyositis
Memphis, Tenn.

Jason Peck is affected by Dermatomyositis (DM), which causes weakness of shoulder and limb muscles. Though ambulatory, he has difficulty walking long distances. As a child, Peck was unable to play outdoors, so he spent much of his time pursuing his passion for art, developing his natural ability for drawing and painting. Now a serious student of art history, Peck has posted blogs comparing the work of old masters with prominent contemporary artists, and showing the progression of his own work from sketches to finished pieces. Two of Peck's paintings are in the MDA Art Collection. His work can be seen on his website at jasonsbrush.com.

Click here for more information about Jason Peck
Barbara Adcock, 56
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Sugar Land, Texas

Prior to receiving an ALS diagnosis in 2009, Adcock was an outspoken advocate for people with autism. She also worked as a medical assistant and technical writer, and helped manage a family-owned cattle ranch. Since her diagnosis, Adcock has become active in MDA/ALS support groups and fundraising activities, including organizing a bowling tournament in Sugar Land that is slated to become an annual event. Adcock uses a power chair for mobility, and has limited use of her arms and hands. She enjoys mentoring and encouraging others with ALS and having played softball in college is an avid baseball fan.
Steven Hatch, 60
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Highland, Utah

Steven Hatch has Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease in which the motor neurons that control voluntary muscle movements are lost. A certified annuity specialist for Humana Healthcare in Sandy, Utah, he was determined to keep working after his diagnosis in 2006. Because traveling around the state making presentations is part of his job, Humana has provided him with a wheelchair-accessible van with hand controls to help him continue working. He is consistently recognized as a top sales agent for the company. Hatch also is active in his church, participates in numerous community organizations and has volunteered for a variety of MDA fundraising events.
Silvia Hoffman, 30
Spinal muscular atrophy
Williston, Vt.

Silvia Hoffman, originally from Romania, is affected by Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). She uses a power wheelchair for mobility, and despite the difficulties of foreign travel while using a wheelchair has visited Romania and Greece. She has studied pharmacy, accounting and Web design, and is an active volunteer with MDA in Vermont. Hoffman frequently advocates on behalf of people with disabilities.
Max Larcen, 33
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Richmond, Va.

Max Larcen's Positive Vibe Café is a unique restaurant that also serves as a training center for people with disabilities. The kitchen accommodates workers who use wheelchairs and features adjustable-height work tables. The hands-on training program has prepared more than 400 students for the food service industry. Larcen and his father/business partner have received a variety of honors for their work in improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities and have been featured in network news stories. Larcen is affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which causes severe muscle weakness and atrophy. He uses a power chair for mobility and breathes with the help of assisted ventilation.
Amber Morse, 28
Friedreich's ataxia
Kent, Wash.

Amber Morse has Friedreich's ataxia (FA), which causes muscle weakness and loss of balance and coordination, and which can affect speech. She uses a power chair for mobility. Receiving her diagnosis when she was 14, Morse eventually became involved with MDA, turning her boundless energy to numerous fundraising activities. Though it's now more difficult for Morse to speak, she still enjoys talking to people in her capacity as a fundraiser, answering questions about her disability and explaining how the funds are spent. Morse has twice served as MDA Goodwill Ambassador for King County and in 2008 was named MDA Goodwill Ambassador for Washington.
Hans Raines, 29
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Elkview, W.V.

Hans Raines has Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which causes weakness and atrophy of all voluntary muscles. He uses a power wheelchair for mobility. As a child, MDA summer camp was his favorite time of year. Even after graduating from camp, Raines remained actively involved, volunteering for a wide variety of duties. Over the years, he's created and maintained two MDA camp newsletters, Summerpaloozza and MDA Mountaineer Camp News. He also created an MDA camp website that enables past and present campers and counselors to keep in touch, and share camp ideas and memories. In 1993 and 1994 Raines served as MDA Goodwill Ambassador for West Virginia.
Timothy Carey, 38
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Appleton, Wis.

Timothy Carey's early love of science and computers never wavered throughout high school and college, culminating in a degree in computer science. Carey is a dedicated advocate for people with disabilities. Through his website, DisabilityVoice.com, he provides a voice for the many people who feel they have no voice. He strives to inform people with special needs about governmental issues that affect them, and regularly speaks to area college students about disability awareness. Carey is affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which causes severe muscle weakness and atrophy. He uses a chin-controlled power chair and breathes with the help of assisted ventilation.
John Sturman, 44
Spinal muscular atrophy
Casper, Wyo.

Diagnosed with Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) at age 5, John Sturman has been in a power chair for most of his life. As a child, Sturman served as a local MDA goodwill ambassador in the days when they were still called poster children. He has many fond memories of attending MDA summer camp, where he developed a lifelong love of fishing. Sturman remains active with MDA, and also enjoys online games and teaching others about computers.