BILLY GILMAN TO ASSUME NEW MDA SPOKESPERSON ROLE

TUCSON, Ariz., Nov. 21, 2008 — Popular MDA spokesperson and award-winning country music artist Billy Gilman will take on a different ambassadorial role for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in the coming year.

Gilman, 20, who has served six terms as MDA National Youth Chairman, will move into the role of celebrity ambassador. MDA Celebrity Ambassadors include actors, musicians and other artists who use their talents to help spread the word about MDA’s lifesaving mission.

Luke Christie, the 2006 and 2007 MDA National Goodwill Ambassador and 2008 Harley-Davidson MDA Goodwill Ambassador, will assume Gilman’s national youth chairman role in 2009.

"I'm deeply honored that Billy will continue his commitment to bring an end to muscular dystrophy," MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis said. "Our MDA families love Billy, and always look forward to seeing him on my Telethon."

Gilman has been a presence on the recording scene since he gained instant national prominence as a 12-year-old in 2000. He has earned four Billboard Music Video Awards and, in 2001, received the American Music Award for Favorite New Country Artist.

As a celebrity ambassador, Gilman will perform and speak at MDA events and fundraisers, give media interviews to help raise awareness of MDA’s lifesaving missions and address meetings of MDA national sponsors.

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