CWIK NAMED MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF MDA

TUCSON, Ariz., March 10, 2004 — Robert Ross, president & CEO of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, has announced the appointment of Valerie A. Cwik as medical director of the national organization for people with neuromuscular diseases.

Cwik has an extensive background in neuromuscular disease management and research. She’s currently director of the MDA/ALS Center at the University of Arizona in Tucson, which offers clinical services to people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease), a disorder prominent in MDA’s program.

She also serves on the Medical Advisory Committee of MDA, which has its national headquarters in Tucson.

“Dr. Cwik will provide vital support to MDA’s mission of service and research,” Ross said. “She’ll be an immediate resource on matters relating to the increased complexities of patient management and clinical trials.”

Among her responsibilities will be advising Ross on MDA’s health care services and clinical research programs, interacting with the medical community, and answering questions from the public and people served by MDA. She’ll also serve as chief spokesperson for MDA in media matters relating to the Association’s health care services program and advances in scientific research.

Cwik, 48, earned her M.D. in 1985 from Rush Medical College in Chicago. Besides teaching and treating patients, she has conducted research in ALS, muscular dystrophy and peripheral neuropathy. She’ll leave her position as associate professor of clinical neurology at the University of Arizona on April 5 to join MDA.

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

In addition to the ALS center, MDA serves Southern Arizonans through the Mucio F. Delgado Clinic for Neuromuscular Disorders at the UA, directed by Lawrence Stern.