MDA has an Ace in
celebrity supporter

Singer, Grammy-nominated songwriter and actor Ace Young has a notable repertoire of philanthropy for his 27 years. Now he’s added MDA to the list of charitable endeavors he wants to help.

The charismatic young man from Denver (now living in Los Angeles) wows audiences of many ages with his performances in such genres as rhythm and blues, rock, pop and blue-eyed soul. His ability to empathize and communicate with many different types of American audiences made him a natural to serve as MDA’s Celebrity Ambassador.

Last year Young performed on the national broadcast of the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon, and in January he taped a series of TV public service announcements at MDA headquarters in Tucson.

Young has been singing since he was 9. Last year he was a finalist on the popular television talent show, “American Idol,” and in 2006 he was named one of People Magazine’s Hottest Bachelors. He has a new album coming out in June.

Honoring Duchenne
research pioneers

More than 21 ago, MDA-funded researchers at Harvard University discovered the gene that, when flawed, causes Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). On March 8 their milestone achievement was recognized at Children’s National Research Center in Washington, D.C.

In the spotlight and honored with individual awards were Louis Kunkel and his team of Eric Hoffman, Michel Koenig and Anthony Monaco. On hand to celebrate their accomplishment were other notable scientists in the DMD community, MDA families and other stakeholders in the battle against the devastating disease.

Keynote speaker Ben Cumbo (father of former MDA National Goodwill Ambassador Ben Cumbo Jr.) spoke passionately about how DMD research that evolved from the 1986 discovery changed the life of his son for the better. He spoke optimistically of recent MDA-supported research discoveries that draw ever closer to treatments and cures.

Commenting on the event later, MDA President & CEO Jerry Weinberg said the 1987 discovery always has been an important marker of success in the Association’s battle against neuromuscular diseases.

“In the not-too-distant future, Duchenne will fall to the dedication and perseverance of scientists like these,” he said. “MDA is proud to have facilitated their magnificent breakthrough for the benefit of all those we serve.”

Magazine salutes Texas
lad/MDA ambassador

Sugar Land Magazine recently featured 10-year-old Jacob Richard, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, as one of seven Sugar Land, Texas, children “who are taking their talents to the next level.”

Jacob and his family were profiled on the 2007 Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon. The young man is very active as the Houston-area MDA Goodwill Ambassador, and the

Richards frequently are involved with the Association’s fundraising efforts.

Flight attendants gladly
help out at Telethon

Some 30 years ago, United Airlines vice president (and MDA board member) Bob Sampson encouraged flight attendants to help out at the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon.

Joyce Spivey is the longest-serving member of that original group. She vividly recalls her first Telethon at the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas in 1976. Every year since then, she has coordinated a team whose primary duties are making guests feel welcome and arranging seating for the 300-person audience, including the families of Telethon mainstays Jerry Lewis, Ed McMahon and Jann Carl.

“MDA staff are the nicest, most genuine people I’ve ever come across,” Spivey said, “I will do anything I can to help them. Every year when we get together again, it’s like a joyous family reunion.”

Today the group includes retirees, friends and acquaintances, although the core still is made up of flight attendants. MDA President & CEO Jerry Weinberg categorizes them as superstars.

“Three decades and counting … year after year these wonderful friends graciously volunteer their time for the full 21-plus hours of the Telethon. They’re invaluable members of the MDA family,” he said.

 

Flight attendants and friends, some of whom are pictured in this 2006 photo, have volunteered to help out at the Telethon for more than 30 years. Front row from left: Joyce Spivey, Mark Firnhaber, Terri Vakoff and Kathy Charron. Back row: Bill Wright, Alex Arechiga, Ana Caro, Linda Drury, Jack Copeland, Marianne Saelzler, John Seoane.