KIRKWOOD GIRL CHOSEN MDA 2001 NATIONAL GOODWILL AMBASSADOR

TUCSON, Ariz., Oct. 3, 2000 - Sarah Schwegel, 7, of Kirkwood, Mo., has been officially named the Muscular Dystrophy Association's 2001 National Goodwill Ambassador.

Sarah and her family will travel the country in 2001 to represent families served by MDA affected by neuromuscular disorders. They'll take part in fund-raisers and meetings of national MDA sponsors. Sarah will also be featured in MDA promotional materials used nationwide and will appear on the 2001 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.

Sarah and her parents appeared on this year's Telethon on Labor Day weekend, where she was interviewed live by Lewis, MDA's national chairman and Telethon star. Lewis was so taken with the bright-eyed, outgoing youngster that he asked her on the spot to be the next National Goodwill Ambassador.

"Sarah simply captured my heart, and I knew she'd be a terrific representative for MDA," Lewis said. "I know everyone who meets her will be charmed by this bright, friendly and energetic little girl."

Sarah is the daughter of Gary and Sandy Schwegel, and lives with her mother and their dog, Ashley, in Kirkwood. Sandy is a network system administrator for Core Express, and Gary works in park maintenance for the City of Kirkwood.

Sarah has spinal muscular atrophy, a neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the arms, legs and torso. She's able to stand with long braces, and uses both manual and power wheelchairs for mobility.

She's a second-grader at Westchester Elementary School in Kirkwood, where she enjoys science, art, computers, library, music and being with her friends. She participates in Brownies, youth church choir and therapeutic horseback riding. She loves animals and enjoys swimming and arts and crafts.

Sarah and her mother take part in many MDA activities in the St. Louis area, which is also home to MDA national sponsor Anheuser-Busch. Sarah was serving her second consecutive term as MDA's State Goodwill Ambassador for Missouri when she was tapped for the national role.

As MDA's state representative, Sarah threw out the first pitch at an August St. Louis Cardinals game, attended conventions of MDA sponsors and met Gov. Mel Carnahan. Sandy Schwegel has spearheaded local MDA fund-raising efforts, and the family participates in MDA parties, seminars and other special events.

Sarah will succeed Lauren Carter, a delightful 9-year-old from Oceanside, Calif., who is serving as MDA National Goodwill Ambassador for 2000.

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research.  The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.

MDA-funded researchers have isolated the gene that, when defective, leads to the disintegration of motor neurons (nerve cells that control the movement of voluntary muscles) and causes various types of SMA. MDA scientists are rapidly uncovering clues to potential SMA treatments, while MDA clinics provide medical management for children and adults affected by the disease.

Sarah receives services at the MDA clinic at Washington University Medical School in St. Louis.

The Association's programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors.