December 18, 2003

ON MDA’s PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD PROGRAM

The holiday season is a time for renewal, a chance to recharge our spiritual batteries and prepare for the many tasks awaiting us in the year ahead.

This celebratory season is also the time when one of MDA’s most important public awareness programs starts moving into high gear.

I’m talking about MDA’s Personal Achievement Award program. Established in 1992, the program recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of adults across the United States who are affected by the muscular dystrophies and related disorders.

By bestowing this award on high-achieving individuals, we hope to emphasize the fact that the will to succeed — indeed, the ability to do so — isn’t limited by the presence of a major life challenge such as a progressive neuromuscular disorder.

Currently, we’re seeking nominees for the 2004 awards in communities nationwide, including yours. Those who receive the award on the local level become eligible for consideration on the state level. State recipients will be considered on the national level.

To be eligible, nominees need first of all to be registered with MDA as having one of the diseases in MDA's program. Appropriate candidates need to have shown excellence in areas such as community leadership, civic affairs, career accomplishment and personal goal attainment.

Recent recipients include individuals who've helped to improve services or accessibility for people with disabilities in their communities; those who've persisted against obstacles to attain educational or vocational goals; and other exceptional individuals including artists, authors and teachers.

Nicholas Johnson

Our most recent recipient of the National MDA Personal Achievement Award is Nicholas Johnson of Waltham, Mass. Johnson, who has Friedreich’s ataxia, remains mobile and active through the use of a motorized wheelchair. He earned his degree in mechanical engineering in 1985 and went on to become a leader in his field, even serving as chairman of the Massachusetts State Energy Advisory Committee. Johnson is a professional engineer and certified energy manager for clients including medical centers, universities and private corporations.

Most recently, he’s added public speaking to his list of skills. Johnson is actively involved in MDA fund raising, and serves on a voluntary basis on MDA’s National Task Force on Public Awareness. In addition, Johnson has been a wonderful mentor to young people like himself who are dealing with neuromuscular diseases.

Do you know someone worthy of being recognized by MDA’s Personal Achievement Award program? Individuals or organizations may submit nominations to MDA. Nomination forms are available from local MDA offices and must be completed and submitted by Jan. 26, 2003.

To find your local MDA office, look up MDA in your phone directory or use the local office search feature here on MDA’s Web site.

Local and state award recipients receive certificates and may be invited to appear on locally broadcast segments of the Telethon. The national recipient will be announced on the national Telethon broadcast.

All of us at MDA wish you a happy holiday season. If you’ve ever been touched or inspired by the accomplishments or spirit of a person with a neuromuscular disorder, we hope you’ll consider making a generous year-end donation to MDA right now. As always, MDA is truly grateful for your support.

With every best wish...

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