keeping in touch

MDA events and accomplishments in 2008 confirm that the technological age most assuredly is upon us. And it brings with it blessings we could not have conceived even a short decade ago.

For me, technology is personified in a very real sense in Tom Bush, the recipient of MDA’s 2009 Robert Ross National Personal Achievement Award (see Tom’s profile on page 39). After an illustrious 30-year career in New Jersey state government, Tom, who has spinal muscular atrophy, moved to Tucson in the 1990s and embarked on a second career at MDA Headquarters as the developer and manager of MDA’s fledgling Web site.

Today, thanks in part to Tom’s formative management, the MDA Web site is a wonderful tool of information and connection for people affected by muscular dystrophy and related diseases, as well as for the scientific community, medical profession and general public.

And while the Internet has made amazing strides toward uniting the world, technology has improved life in other areas equally important to the people MDA serves:

n Power wheelchairs are now so advanced that soon it may be possible to guide one via the user’s brainwaves.

n People no longer able to use their hands can operate computers via other body parts, including the eyes, eyebrows, mouth and feet.

n Communications devices effectively “speak” for those who can no longer do so.

For these reasons and more, MDA is committed to helping people with muscle diseases access assistive technology, whether through our clinics, our MDA Loan Closets, financial assistance toward the purchase and repair of wheelchairs and communication devices, or through practical information in this magazine.

This year, for the first time, MDA conducted an electronic event in parallel with our legendary Telethon — an auction of incredible scale, conducted completely online. More than 2,500 items, graciously donated by MDA sponsors, celebrities and friends, were auctioned off online to buyers whose common tie was their connection to the Web, their desire to help MDA and their search for a good bargain.

For those who enjoy golf and online gaming, MDA and the World Golf Tour created the Jerry Lewis Open, a recreational opportunity available to anyone with a computer. From Oct. 10 to Oct. 31, players enjoyed simulated golf on two of the best courses in the world — and while they were at it, they could make a donation to MDA.

During this holiday season, we have more reasons than ever to be thankful for our blessings — many of them technological. Happy holidays!

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

Libby Rogers

Robin Blakely Miriam Lopez

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 www.mda.org ISSN 1087-1578 Postage paid at Salt Lake City, Utah, 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

Postmaster: Treat as Standard A Mail Only

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.

© 2008, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Inc. All rights reserved. MDA is a registered service mark of the Muscular Dystrophy Association Inc.

The acceptance of advertising in this magazine does not constitute or imply endorsement by MDA of any product or service. MDA accepts no responsibility for any claims made in any advertisement. Quest reserves the right to refuse to accept any advertisement. For advertising information, call (866) 775-8568.

Information contained in Quest may not be reproduced, published, transmitted or distributed in whole or in part without the prior written consent of MDA.

Always consult your professional advisers as to how medical, legal or financial information in Quest pertains to you. MDA assumes no liability for any information in Quest.