(FSHD), to be named the Fields Center for FSHD and Neuromuscular Research.

FSHD causes progressive weakness of muscles in the face, shoulder blades and upper arms. About one-third of people with FSHD require wheelchairs. The disease is understood to have genetic origins, but the actual mechanism by which it operates is unknown.

Fields Center programs will be an international collaboration between URMC’s Neurology Department and Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands. Scientists at Leiden were the first to map the genetic mutation for FSHD, in 1990.

Several writers for MDA’s Quest magazine and MDA/ALS

Newsmagazine were recognized for writing excellence in 2006 by the National Health Information Awards. Now in its 14th year, the awards program is organized by the Health Information Resource Center to recognize the best consumer health programs and materials from organizations throughout the country.

MDA writers earn national recognition

Awards went to:

• MDA Editorial Services Director Christina Medvescek for “Fear, Dread and Loathing: Figuring Out Special Needs Trusts” (Quest, November-December 2006);

 

• Medical and Science Editor Maggie Wahl, Staff Writer Alyssa Quintero and Medvescek for a package of stories in the September 2006 MDA/ALS Newsmagazine on feeding tube nutrition;

 

• Freelance writers Kimberly Sullivan and Donna Albrecht for parenting articles about finding sitters and keeping teens busy during the summer (Quest, May-June 2006);

 

• Staff Writer Kathy Wechsler and Medvescek for parenting articles on coping with neuromuscular disease called “Helping Kids Understand” (Quest, July-August 2006);

 

• Wahl, for articles about cardiac care, “Let the Beat Go On” (Quest, March-April 2006), and research registries (Quest, November-December 2006).

Maureen McGovern, Shamrocks Chairperson, and‘Jerry’sKids.’®

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Shamrocks, the luck o’ the
Irish and green, green

MDA’s Shamrocks Against Dystrophy program gets under way in February for the 25th year, bringing the “luck of the Irish” to a location near you.

MDA Shamrocks, posters, banners and table tents will promote the program at thousands of participating grocery stores, restaurants and other businesses across the country through March 17. Customers at participating retailers are urged to buy and sign Shamrock mobiles, which will be displayed on store walls, ceilings and windows.

In 2007, the campaign — chaired by the talented singer/actress Maureen McGovern — brought in more than $13 million for MDA’s programs. (To see some creative Shamrocks displays done by employees at Lowe’s home improvement stores, see page 54.)

Two favorite Telethon performers earn big-time kudos

Two highly talented entertainers who each happen to have a neuromuscular disease received prestigious national honors from their peers and the music industry. Bluegrass singer Bradley Walker, 29, was named Male Vocalist of the Year in October by the International Bluegrass Music Association. Walker, of Athens, Ala., has been singing on stage since he was 4, and wowed Telethon audiences five times with his marvelously resonant baritone. Walker has nemaline myopathy, which impairs muscle tone and contraction, causing generalized weakness. Calvin Ray Johnson, 27, is a four-time Telethon veteran. A native of Washington, Ky., this renowned country singer has Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In 2007, he earned fan and peer recognition on three fronts. His “Take that Chance” CD debuted; his first single, “Should Have Been Singing Rock Bradley Walker of Ages,” was number one backstage at the _{IBMA Awards.} on the charts in Europe; _(Above) and he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Calvin Ray Johnson _{performing on the} the Epiphone Guitar Co. (a _{2007 MDA Jerry} division of Gibson Musical Lewis Telethon. Instruments) for his accom- ^(Right) plishments in the world of music, as well as his humanitarian service to MDA. q