California Girl Returns in 2009 as MDA National Goodwill Ambassador

TUCSON, Ariz., Oct. 17, 2008 – Abbey Umali, a vivacious 9-year-old from Redlands, Calif., will return for a second term as the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s National Goodwill Ambassador in 2009.

During 2008, Abbey and her parents traveled extensively across the country talking about MDA’s programs of research and services for people with muscular dystrophy and related diseases. They will continue making appearances at MDA fundraisers and special events next year.

“Abbey is a delightful bundle of energy and charm,” said MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis. “As young as she is, she really understands the importance of spreading MDA’s message of hope and help, so we can win the battle against these devastating diseases.”

Abbey has a form of Charcot-Marie Tooth disease that causes muscle weakness and lack of coordination and balance. She walks with the help of leg braces and receives MDA-supported medical services at Loma Linda University Medical Center, one of MDA’s 225 hospital-affiliated clinics nationwide.

Now a fourth-grader, Abbey’s favorite subjects are reading, math and geography (and, “of course, recess!”). Her mother Wendi is a physical therapist; father Joel is a dentist.

For the past three years, the Umalis have made live appearances on the national broadcast of the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon.

MDA is a voluntary health agency supporting programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, advocacy and far-reaching professional and public health education for muscular dystrophy and related diseases. The Association’s programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors.