Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) - News http://www.mda.org/whatsnew/ Get the latest news from the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) en-us Jerry Lewis to Receive Prestigious Humanitarian Award from Motion Picture Academy http://www.mda.org/news/081210lewis_humanitarian.html 12/10/2008 The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has recognized Jerry Lewis with one of its greatest honors, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. Billy Gilman to Assume New MDA Spokesperson Role http://www.mda.org/news/081121Billy_Gilman.html 11/21/2008 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. South Carolina Teen to Assume New National MDA Spokesperson Role http://www.mda.org/news/081121Luke_Christie.html 11/21/2008 Popular MDA spokesperson Luke Christie will take on a different ambassadorial role for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in the coming year. New Oakley Special Edition Sunglasses Support MDA ALS Initiative http://www.mda.org/news/081021oakley_augies_quest_mda.html 10/21/2008 Oakley has teamed up with the Muscular Dystrophy Association to offer two special edition HIJINX sunglasses to support MDA's aggressive, cure-driven ALS research initiative, Augie's Quest. California Girl Returns in 2009 as MDA National Goodwill Ambassador http://www.mda.org/news/081020Abbey.html 10/17/2008 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. MDA Joins Walgreens to Offer Flu Shots to People the Association Serves http://www.mda.org/news/081010flu.html 10/10/2008 Continuing a service it has provided for decades, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) again is offering flu shots to people who have any of the more than 40 diseases it covers. To assist individuals in obtaining vaccinations this flu season, the Association teamed up with Walgreens to offer shots at thousands of Walgreens locations across the country through a voucher program. Updated MD-CARE Act Receives Final Congressional Approval http://www.mda.org/news/080926md_care_act_reauthorization.html 09/27/2008 The Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research and Education (MD-CARE) Amendments of 2008 received final Congressional approval today. It now goes to President Bush, who is expected to sign it. Artwork by Herndon Artist Accepted into MDA Art Collection http://www.mda.org/news/080925grenier.html 09/25/2008 A watercolor painting by Matthew B. Grenier of Herndon, Va., has been accepted by the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Art Collection. Now in its 16th year, the Collection features artwork by people from across the country with muscular dystrophy and related diseases. Jerry Lewis Thanks MD Community as Legislation Passes House http://www.mda.org/news/080922md-care-act-reauthorization.html 09/24/2008 Legendary entertainer and MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis today expressed gratitude to all those working to pass the Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research and Education (MD-CARE) Amendments of 2008. Senate Passes ALS Registry Act http://www.als-mda.org/research/news/080923als_registry.html 09/23/2008 Today, the ALS community celebrated the Senate's passage of S. 1382, the ALS Registry Act, with very positive ramifications for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease). The House of Representatives passed similar legislation in 2007. VA Confirms ALS Disability Benefits for Vets http://www.als-mda.org/research/news/080923als_disibility_benefits.html 09/23/2008 As reported on this site in July, the Veterans Administration was planning to broaden its compensation for all ALS-affected vets. That information was issued by both Sen. Lindsey Graham and Rep. Henry Brown. Artwork by Hemet Artist Accepted into MDA Art Collection http://www.mda.org/news/080905Feigenbaum.html 09/05/2008 A photograph by Howard Feigenbaum of Hemet, Calif., has been accepted as the 350th piece in the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Art Collection. Now in its 16th year, the Collection features artwork by people from across the country with muscular dystrophy and related diseases. Artwork by Dacula Artist Accepted into MDA Art Collection http://www.mda.org/news/080905Roberts.html 09/05/2008 An oil painting by Conor Roberts of Dacula, Ga., has been accepted by the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Art Collection. Now in its 16th year, the Collection features artwork by people from across the country with muscular dystrophy and related diseases. MDA Telethon's $65 Million Breaks Record http://www.mda.org/news/080901telethon-tote-2008.html 09/01/2008 Despite an uncertain economy and Hurricane Gustav pounding the Gulf Coast, contributions and pledges to the 43rd annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon totaled a recordbreaking $65,031,393 ($1.2 million more than last year.) Jerry Lewis Reaches Out to MD Families Affected by Gustav http://www.mda.org/news/080831MDA_gustav.html 08/31/2008 Muscular Dystrophy Association National Chairman and Telethon Host Jerry Lewis today will use his Labor Day Telethon to encourage families registered with MDA and being evacuated from their homes due to Gustav to seek out MDA services wherever they end up. MDA has almost 5,000 registered families in the affected areas. Empire State Building shines for MDA http://www.mda.org/news/080829empire_shines_for_MDA.html 08/29/2008 In recognition of the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon, New York City’s Empire State Building will put on a special lighting display from Aug. 29 through Sept. 1. MDA Opens First National Online Auction to Benefit Jerry's Kids http://www.mda.org/news/080821telethon_toa.html 08/21/2008 New this year, the Muscular Dystrophy Association will launch its first-ever national online auction at www.mda.org/auctions in conjunction with the 43rd Annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon. The auction, beginning today, features an impressive array of unique specialty items, with all proceeds benefiting the Association. 2008 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon http://www.mda.org/news/080820telethon_5ws.html 08/20/2008 MDA National Chairman and Telethon star Jerry Lewis, joined by anchor Ed McMahon and co-hosts, Tom Bergeron, Jann Carl, Bart Connor, Norm Crosby, Billy Gilman, Nancy O'Dell, Tony Orlando, Alison Sweeney and Ace Young. Celebrities Line Up to Co-Host Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon http://www.mda.org/news/080804telethon_co-hosts.html 08/15/2008 The Muscular Dystrophy Association today announced the co-star lineup for the 2008 Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon. Jerry Lewis Ready to Star in 43rd Labor Day Telethon for MDA http://www.mda.org/news/080804telethon_43.html 08/11/2008 Legendary entertainer Jerry Lewis will continue his battle against muscular dystrophy this Labor Day weekend on his 43rd Labor Day Telethon to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. VA Expands Full Care Benefits to All Vets with ALS 07/16/2008 http://www.als-mda.org/news/080716als_va_benefits.htm UPDATE - August 1, 2008 - The VA posting of the new policy that was expected today has yet to be released. As soon as the official announcement is made, it will be posted on this site. On July 14, the Secretary of the Department of Veteran's Affairs announced his decision to broaden VA compensation for all ALS-affected vets. Pussycat Dolls Tape Ad for Bally ALS Promotion 07/29/2008 http://www.als-mda.org/news/080729bally-pcdolls-als-benefit.htm Pop music group the Pussycat Dolls last week taped an ad for Bally Total Fitness promoting a fundraising event benefitting MDA's ALS Division, and Nancy O'Dell covered the event for Access Hollywood. Augie Nieto to Receive National Association of Hispanic Journalists Award http://www.mda.org/news/080725nieto-nahj-award.html 07/25/2008 Fitness pioneer Augie Nieto will receive the National Association of Hispanic Journalists 2008 President's Award July 25. Medicare Bill Exempts Complex Power Wheelchairs http://www.mda.org/news/080722medicare-power-wheelchairs.html 07/22/2008 Recent passage of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (H.R. 6331) holds particularly good news for people with disabilities who use complex power wheelchairs and accessories. American Idol and MDA Celebrity Ambassador Ace Young Releases Debut Album http://www.mda.org/news/080714ace-young-debut-album.html 07/14/2008 Popular "American Idol" vocalist Ace Young, recently named a celebrity ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, released his self-titled debut CD on July 15. Michael DeBakey, Renowned Surgeon and Friend of MDA, Dies at Age 99 http://www.mda.org/news/080714debakey-obit.html 07/14/2008 World-renowned heart surgeon Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, a longtime volunteer leader of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, died on July 11 at age 99 in Houston. Good News from Capitol Hill for People with Progressive Muscle Diseases Who Use Medicare http://www.mda.org/news/080710medicare-competitive-bidding.html 07/10/2008 On July 9, the Senate handily passed the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act. (The Act already had been passed by a large majority in the House.) In addition to quashing a proposed reimbursement cut for doctors who treat Medicare patients, the Act delays implementation of the controversial national competitive bidding program, designed by CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) to go into effect this summer. ALS Claims Nancy O'Dell's Mom http://www.mda.org/news/080609nancy_odell.html 06/09/2008 The mother of popular television host Nancy O'Dell, Betty Humphries, passed away over the weekend from complications of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). She was 74. Miller Lite Bottle Caps Equal Cash for MDA This Summer http://www.mda.org/news/080527miller_bottle_caps_MDA.html 05/27/2008 Miller Brewing Company will donate 10 cents to MDA for every Miller Lite bottle cap collected through Sept. 1 as part of the brand's 'Better. Bolder. Summer.' promotion. New Law Supported by MDA Prohibits Genetic Discrimination http://www.mda.org/news/080522gina.html 05/22/2008 A new law signed yesterday by President Bush is good news for Americans who have refused to take genetic tests because they feared the results might be used against them by their employer or insurance company. Access Hollywood's O'Dell Teams with MDA ALS Division - Mother's Battle Leads Her to the World Leader in ALS Research, Services http://www.mda.org/news/080509nancy_odell.html 05/09/2008 Popular newsmagazine show host Nancy O'Dell has joined MDA's efforts to find treatments and a cure for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's disease). Special ALS Chats in May to Feature Guest Experts http://www.mda.org/news/080507als_month_chats.html 05/07/2008 As part of ALS Awareness Month, MDA will host three special Internet chats with guest experts in topics relating to the disease. MDA Activities Focus Attention on National ALS Awareness Month http://www.mda.org/news/080430als_awareness_month.html 05/01/2008 Throughout the month of May, the Muscular Dystrophy Association will highlight the 17th annual national ALS Awareness Month by hosting events in communities across the country and disseminating information about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease. Legendary R and B Performer Fights Illness, Raises Funds for MDA http://www.mda.org/news/080418downing.html 04/18/2008 Will Downing, a singer and songwriter whose vibrant baritone has captivated R and B and contemporary jazz fans for two decades, is emerging from convalescence with a new outlook on life and a commitment to helping others. Artwork by Marietta Artist Accepted into MDA Art Collection http://www.mda.org/news/080407margeson.html 04/07/2008 An oil painting by Norma J. Margeson of Marietta, Ga., has been accepted into the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Art Collection. Now in its 16th year, the Collection features artwork by people from across the country with neuromuscular diseases. Augie and Luke Featured On New DirecTV Show http://www.mda.org/news/080404DirecTV_appearance.html 04/07/2008 The friendship between Augie Nieto and former MDA National Goodwill Ambassador Luke Christie is the subject of a segment on "Hometown Heroes," a new show to be broadcast later this month on DirecTV. Bowie Arts Center at Erskine College to Host MDA Art Exhibit http://www.mda.org/news/080328Scher.html 04/01/2008 Bowie Arts Center at Erskine College in Due West will display 38 selected works from the Muscular Dystrophy Association's renowned Art Collection for a month this spring. Citgo Petroleum Corporation Receives MDA Directors' Award http://www.mda.org/news/080331citgo.html 03/31/2008 The Muscular Dystrophy Association awarded its highest philanthropic achievement honor, the MDA Directors’ Award, to CITGO Petroleum Corporation. Artwork by Sulphur Teen Accepted into MDA Art Collection http://www.mda.org/news/080328schwartzenburg.html 03/28/2008 An opaque watercolor painting by Alyssa Schwartzenburg of Sulphur, La., has been accepted into the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Art Collection, which features artwork by people from across the country with neuromuscular diseases. Artwork by Due West Teen Accepted into MDA Art Collection http://www.mda.org/news/080327christie.html 03/28/2008 A multimedia creation by former MDA National Goodwill Ambassador Luke Christie has been accepted into the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Art Collection, which features artwork by people from across the country with neuromuscular diseases. International Association of Fire Fighters Directors' Award from MDA http://www.mda.org/news/080318iaff.html 03/18/2008 The Muscular Dystrophy Association today awarded its highest philanthropic achievement honor, the MDA Directors' Award, to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). Sculpture By Late Lesterville Artist Accepted Into MDA Art Collection http://www.mda.org/news/080311hendrickson.html 03/11/2008 A forged iron sculpture by the late Douglas E. Hendrickson of Lesterville, Mo., has been accepted by the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Art Collection. Artwork By Federal Way Artist Accepted Into MDA Art Collection http://www.mda.org/news/080225harada.html 02/25/2008 A watercolor painting by Danielle M. Harada of Federal Way, Wash., has been accepted by the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Art Collection. Noted Neurologist to Chair MDA Medical Advisory Committee http://www.mda.org/news/080219appel_medical_advisory_cmte.html 02/19/2008 The Muscular Dystrophy Association announces that it has appointed neurologist Stanley H. Appel as chairman of its Medical Advisory Committee. Youthful MDA Goodwill Ambassador Assumes New 2008 Spokesperson Role http://www.mda.org/news/0801092008_spokesperson.html 01/09/2008 Luke Christie, who has served two very active terms as National Goodwill Ambassador for MDA, takes on a different ambassadorial role next year. Augie's Quest Initiative Brings in $12 Million in Two Years for ALS Research http://www.mda.org/news/080107nietos.html 01/08/2008 In their first two years as co-chairs of MDA’s ALS Division, Augie and Lynne Nieto helped their MDA’s Augie’s Quest research initiative raise more than $12 million. California Girl Named 2008 MDA National Goodwill Ambassador http://www.mda.org/news/0801042008_MDA_natl_goodwill_ambassador.html 01/07/2008 The Muscular Dystrophy Association’s 2008 National Goodwill Ambassador is Abbey Umali of Redlands, Calif., a lively and articulate 8-year-old with a form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Artwork By Cross Roads Artist Accepted Into MDA Art Collection http://www.mda.org/news/080104drummond.html 01/04/2008 An oil-and-pastel painting by Margaret Ann Moran Drummond of Cross Roads, Texas (near Athens), has been accepted into the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Art Collection.