October 22, 1999

ON MDA'S AWARD-WINNING MAGAZINE

It's not every day you get ranked on a level with publications such as The New Yorker, U.S. News and World Report, Sports Illustrated and Parade, not to mention television programs such as the "Today" show, "E.R." and "Dateline NBC."

But that's just what happened to MDA's bimonthly magazine, Quest, when it was named a winner of an Easter Seals EDI (Equality, Dignity, Independence) award along with the aforementioned media entities and a roster of other celebrated names.

Quest and MDA Senior Writer Phil Ivory received an EDI award on Oct. 4 in New York for an article in Quest, vol. 5, no. 3, titled "Cinematic Gold: Filmmaker Defines Determination," a profile of a film director, Jenni Gold, who has spinal muscular atrophy.

The EDI awards were created to raise awareness of disability issues and to encourage realistic portrayals of people with disabilities. This was the second time Quest received an EDI award, having been honored in 1998 for MDA Senior Science Writer Margaret Wahl's article, "Speaking of Sex."

The article about Jenni Gold isn't the only instance in which Quest has thrown a spotlight on the accomplishments of outstanding individuals affected by the diseases in MDA's program. In fact, a browse through the back issues of Quest will reveal an "honor roll" of high achievers with neuromuscular diseases.

Here's a quick look at some of the remarkable people who have graced Quest's pages. (All of these stories are only a click away here on MDA's Web site.)

Anthony Vitale is a gifted linguist and computer engineer who has a unique philosophical outlook on living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Mandy Van Benthuysen, a student with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, is remarkable for her positive take on life and her outstanding work as MDA's National Youth Chairperson.

Click here for an update on Mandy's first year at college.

Chris Rosa is a leading educator, advocate, scholar and policy-maker concerned with the welfare of people with disabilities. Chris, who has Becker muscular dystrophy, serves as an MDA Board Member and on MDA's National Task Force on Public Awareness.

The rock group Van Gogh consists of two musically talented brothers with Becker muscular dystrophy.

Aubrey and Nicholas Olson, a sister and brother from Minnesota with Friedreich's ataxia, captured the nation's hearts during their joint two-year service as MDA's National Goodwill Ambassadors.

Howard Thomas refused to let even the advanced stages of Duchenne muscular dystrophy stop him from coordinating a fabulous food-themed fund-raiser that was his way of fighting back against his disease.

The McCoy family of Manhattan Beach, Calif., found ways to experience life to the full despite the challenges that come with having three boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Dr. Robert McMichael is a brilliant doctor, lawyer and MDA clinic director affected by limb-girdle muscular dystrophy.

Elizabeth Reinert is an educator who takes extra measures to help children with special needs while fighting her own battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Megan Schirle, who has facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, is among a growing number of people with disabilities who turn to dance as a liberating form of personal expression.

Allan Macurdy is an attorney and educator with muscular dystrophy who has written his own passionate account of how he took personal control in his lifelong journey through the health care system.

Jan Blaustone, a professional writer with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy who serves on MDA's National Task Force on Public Awareness, has written about her personal battle to gain the upper hand with her health insurance provider.

Mike Caruso, a TV sports broadcaster in Florida, is one of a number of people affected by neuromuscular disorders who are making names for themselves working in print and broadcast media.

It's quite an impressive gallery of outstanding personalities, each of whom commands our respect and admiration for their positive gains in the face of the daily challenges imposed by progressive neuromuscular disease.

Although we feel greatly honored by Quest's two EDI awards and by other expressions of esteem Quest has received, we are perhaps even more honored by the amazing individuals who continue to allow us to share their inspirational stories through Quest's pages.

Click here for the latest edition of MDA's award-winning magazine, Quest.

With every best wish . . .

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