Keeping in Touch

Telethon 2009 was a reminder of just how many friends are pulling for MDA’s missions of help and hope in these difficult financial times: the celebrity co-hosts and entertainers who donate their time and talents; the national sponsors who fundraise year-round for MDA; the individuals and families affected by muscle diseases who share their lives with a national audience; the thousands of Telethon volunteers who toil around the country; and the “Love Network” stations and RealNetworks, who make sure these combined efforts are seen by viewers.

These champions give me hope, and I’m sure you feel the same.

Despite the ongoing economic downturn and the cutbacks MDA has been forced to make, the core of MDA’s programs — research — is going strong and will remain so. This magazine is full of information about MDA-funded research advances and programs, including the newly launched program for parents and youth called “Road Map to Independence” (see page 73).

Part of our plan for riding out the current tough times is to take advantage of technology wherever we can. So, yes, in 2009 we decreased the frequency of Quest and, unfortunately, 2010 will see a significant decrease in pages in the printed magazine. But MDA actually is disseminating more health and research news now than ever before, thanks to the Quest Extra features on our Web site (www. mda.org/QuestMagazineOnline), and e-mail “blasts” to those who have provided us with their e-mail addresses.

In addition, we’ve improved our Web site to facilitate access to the rich trove of MDA public health information produced over the years. Now when you’re reading about a topic online, links to related information will automatically pop up on the Web page.

It’s true that the economy has affected donations to MDA from corporations, organizations and individuals. We’re working in every way possible to reverse that trend.

Meanwhile, our focus on defeating progressive muscle diseases has not wavered one iota. With the continued help of our national sponsors, “Love Network” stations, volunteers and donors across the country, I’m confident we’ll come out of this current financial upset stronger than ever.

With every best wish,

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, advocacy, 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 Smith
Robin Blakely
Avelin Angulo

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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.

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.

MDA was honored in the 2009, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004 Communicator Awards; the 2007 and 2006 Apex Awards for Publication Excellence; and the 2009, 2007, 2006 and 2005 National Health Information Awards.

Postmaster: Treat as Standard A Mail Only © 2009, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Inc. All rights reserved.

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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.