FORMER MDA GOODWILL AMBASSADOR DIES IN CAR ACCIDENT

Former MDA National Goodwill Ambassador Drew Johnson, died in an automobile accident in Zachary, La., on June 29, less than a week shy of his 23rd birthday.

Louisiana State Police say the 2004 Toyota SUV Johnson was driving ran off the road about 1:30 p.m. and into a canal. The cause of the accident has not yet been determined.

Scheduled to graduate this year from Louisiana State University with a degree in communication studies, Johnson, who had Duchenne muscular dystrophy, was planning to attend seminary in New Orleans.

A dedicated Christian who hoped to become a youth minister, he spoke to Bible studies and youth conferences throughout the area, often driving himself in a specially adapted vehicle outfitted with hand controls. A good driver, Johnson took 50 hours of specialized adaptive driver training prior to getting his license as a teen. His personalized license plate read “FREDM.”

Jerry Lewis and Drew Johnson

As a boy, Johnson served as MDA national goodwill ambassador in 1991 and 1992. He traveled extensively throughout the United States during those years to spread MDA’s lifesaving message, and met with national leaders, including former President George H.W. Bush.  In 2002, he received the MDA Louisiana Personal Achievement Award.

MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis said Johnson’s loss, particularly after so many years of working closely with MDA, was heart-wrenching. “I remember Drew as though it were yesterday,” he said. “He was an invaluable friend and partner whom I loved dearly, and whom I will never forget.”

In addition to his studies and ministry, Johnson loved LSU sports and was an avid music fan, playing the bagpipes, ukulele and dobro (a type of guitar that sits on the lap). He shared his love of music on his MySpace Web page (myspace.com/wheelchairmanmusic). 

Services will be held at the Zachary First Baptist Church on July 4, Johnson’s birthday. The family has requested that memorial donations be made to MDA. Condolences and memories can be posted at www.charletfuneralhome.com. 

In 2002, Quest magazine featured Johnson in an article called "Five for Freedom.”