keeping in touch

On June 6, 1950, a small group of individuals whose lives had been personally touched by muscular dystrophy met in the Bronx, N. Y., office of businessman Paul Cohen (who had facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy). On that day, this small group formed the Muscular Dystrophy Association with the task of raising funds to support research — the only hope for those with muscular dystrophy.

 

Over the years, that small group of volunteers has grown into a vast army raising funds not only for research into muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular diseases, including ALS, but also for a nationwide network of clinics specializing in providing help to tens of thousands of individuals and families.

In 1955, MDA’s late president and CEO Bob Ross created a unique program for children — summer camp. Nationwide, MDA now is gearing up for its 2008 summer camp program by recruiting some 5,400 volunteer counselors to work at various camp sites throughout the United States and in Puerto Rico. Scores of volunteers also are being recruited to assist with the myriad of special events being planned for the current year, including our Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon.

MDA was started by volunteers and it’s where it is today because of the volunteer support it continues to receive from individuals, organizations and corporations nationwide. Should any of you want to be included in the ranks of this very special volunteer army, please contact your local MDA office or call (800) 572-1717 to offer your assistance. Not only will you be helping Jerry’s kids, but you’ll feel good for doing so.

With every good wish for a wonderful Spring…

Paul Cohen, one of MDA’s founders

Quest

Gerald C. Weinberg President & CEO

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

R. Rodney Howell Olin F. Morris Timmi Masters Suzanne Lowden

maNagiNg editor art direCtor

mediCal aNd sCieNCe editor assistaNt maNagiNg editor advertisiNg sales maNager desigNers

Christina Medvescek David Saint John Margaret Wahl Richard Senti Maureen Tuncer

Danika Kopec Libby Rogers Robin Blakely

PuBlished BimoNthly By

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

suBsCriPtioN

Quest is free to those with any of the neuromuscular diseases in MDA’s program. Subscriptions are $15 per year for others, $24 per year outside the United States. For subscription help see page 8.

awards

Quest was honored in the 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004 Communicator Awards; the 2007 and 2006 Apex Awards for Publication Excellence; and the 2007, 2006 and 2005 National Health Information Awards.

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