ROCKY HILL DISABILITY LEADER IS HONORED WITH MDA NATIONAL AWARD

TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 6, 1999 -- Marybeth Waltman, 39, of Rocky Hill, Conn., has been selected by the Muscular Dystrophy Association to receive its 1999 National Personal Achievement Award.

The award, which recognizes the accomplishments and community service of individuals affected by neuromuscular diseases, will be announced on the 1999 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, to be broadcast nationally on Sept. 5-6. Waltman was chosen for the national honor from among statewide winners across the country.

Since 1983, Waltman has worked as a claims representative for the Social Security Administration in Hartford, helping the elderly and people with disabilities understand the programs and processes of the agency. She's also a longtime volunteer leader of organizations and programs that assist people with disabilities.

"Marybeth is an outstanding example of someone who is dedicated to helping others," MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis said. "Her professional achievements and commitment to the disability community prove that people with neuromuscular disorders can achieve their dreams."

Waltman has been affected by spinal muscular atrophy since age 3. The motor neuron disease causes weakness in the muscles of the arms, legs and torso. She uses a power wheelchair for mobility and a ventilator part-time to assist with breathing. Waltman also has a service dog, Sable, and a personal assistant at her job.

Waltman demonstrates confidence and a drive that motivates others, qualities she learned early in life. She attributes much of her achievement to her parents, Amy and Vincent Uricchio, who live with Waltman and her husband, Jim.

"I was always encouraged to work hard to attain the goals I had set for myself," Waltman said. "My school years were very rewarding for me because it was during these times that I was confronted with many obstacles and challenges which tested my perseverance and determination."

Waltman said one of her goals in life is to help others. She has fulfilled her dream not only through her job but also by her involvement with numerous organizations for people with disabilities.

Waltman serves on the board of directors for East Coast Assistance Dogs and is a member of the State Rehabilitation Council. She's a volunteer spokeswoman for the Hospital for Special Care in New Britain and for the University of Connecticut Medical Center in Farmington.

Much of Waltman's time and energy is also devoted to MDA. She has appeared on the local broadcast of the Telethon several times, sharing her personal story. She's a member of MDA's Northern Connecticut Task Force on Public Awareness and was the Association's Goodwill Ambassador for Connecticut from 1969 through 1973.

Waltman attended MDA summer camps for eight years as a child and teen-ager. At the 1976 camp session, she met her husband, then a volunteer camp counselor. The couple has been married for 17 years.

Waltman said she hopes she inspires other people served by MDA and emphasizes that living with a neuromuscular disease can be positive.

"As a crusader for the disabled, I will continue educating and assisting other individuals with disabilities and society," Waltman said. "I will advocate that living with a chronic disease can be rewarding and fulfilling, if you have the optimism and determination to achieve your dreams and goals."

Waltman holds a bachelor of science degree from Saint Joseph College in West Hartford, where she majored in political science. She was the first student using a wheelchair to graduate from the college.

Last year's National Personal Achievement Award went to Elizabeth A. Reinert of Kansas City, Mo., a teacher of art history and history and the visual resources coordinator at Maple Woods Community College. Reinert also co-chairs the regional MDA Task Force on Public Awareness and serves on the Americans with Disabilities Act Facilities Committee of the Metropolitan Community Colleges.

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat 40 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far-reaching professional and public health education.

See the fact sheet about Marybeth Waltman.