Keeping In Touch

Summer’s almost here, and that’s the time of year when things “heat up” at MDA.

Of course, there’s MDA summer camp, which will delight some 4,000 of “Jerry’s kids” at locations across the United States and Puerto Rico this year. It’s a decades-old MDA tradition that just seems to create more fun and goodwill every year. Camp sessions begin in May and continue through August.

At universities and teaching hospitals around the world, MDA research grantees are taking some time away from the classroom to prepare for their next studies and laboratory projects.

There are some other MDA summertime traditions that are equally important.

A number of our most significant fund-raising events tend to be scheduled in the warmer months — Stride & Ride walk-a-thons, golf tournaments, Aisles of Smiles, mobile sales, Fill-the-Boot and a myriad of other local events. These can and do occur any time of year, but many communities have found that certain fund-raisers work best when it’s warm outside and school is out. Be sure to watch for announcements from your local MDA office about activities with which you can help.

And, there’s the big one: MDA staff spends the summer planning the Labor Day Telethon. You don’t put on a 21½-hour live TV show without a lot of preparation — in our case, nonstop preparation.

Jerry Lewis often says he begins work on the next Telethon the day after the last one is finished. That’s true for MDA staff, too. Lining up talent, preparing publicity, revising procedures, locating venues … it’s a year-round to-do list that’s much too long for this space. But as we count down the days (126 as of May 1) and the beginning of September looms closer, our plans move into higher gear and everything picks up speed. By the last weekend of the summer, we’re primed and ready to go!

For you, summertime may mean vacation. That’s why this issue of Quest includes “As the Wheel Turns: Life’s a Mountain and a Beach,” on page 63, with information on wheelchairs you can use at the beach or wherever you go for recreation. And keep an eye on “To Boldly Go,” which throughout the year covers accessibility in travel and at popular destinations. In this issue, on page 68, the feature explores Houston and Galveston, Texas.

I hope your summer is a revitalizing and enjoyable one, with a break from your work and routine — even if you just spend a little more time at home.

You can be sure that at MDA offices across the country, we’ll be as busy as ever, raising funds, increasing awareness, and providing services to you and your family.

Gerald C. Weinberg President & CEO

QUEST

The Magazine of the Muscular Dystrophy Association

MDA was founded in 1950 by adults with neuromuscular diseases and parents of children with these disorders. It’s a voluntary health agency working to defeat neuromuscular diseases through worldwide research, comprehensive services, and professional and public health education.

NatioNal ChairmaN

PresideNt & Ceo ChairmaN of the Board

ChairmaN, exeCutive Committee seCretary treasurer

Jerry Lewis

Gerald C. Weinberg

Lois R. West

Robert M. Bennett

Timmi Masters

Suzanne Lowden

editor art direCtor

mediCal aNd sCieNCe editor seNior editor advertisiNg sales maNager desigNers

Carol Sowell

David Saint John

Margaret Wahl

Christina Medvescek

Maureen Tuncer

Danika Kopec

Libby Rogers

Veronica Garcia

Robin Blakely

Valerie Ochoa

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Muscular Dystrophy Association Inc., 3300 East Sunrise Drive, Tucson, AZ 85718-3299 ☎ (520) 529-2000, e-mail: publications@mdausa.org. Available on the Internet at www.mda. org. ISSN 1087-1578 Postage paid at Salt Lake City, Utah, nonprofit postal permit number 85738.

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