Thomas Arrington III, 47 Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) Chesapeake, Va.

Thomas Arrington learned he had a neuromuscular disease when he was 26. As the disease has progressed, his muscles have weakened, and he now uses a power wheelchair for mobility. Unable to use his right hand any more, he taught himself to write with his left.

Arrington had a 23-year-career with the natural gas industry in New York. His position when his disease forced him to retire was a top manager for gas distribution systems in New York City and Long Island.

After moving with his family to Virginia, Arrington devoted himself to helping others. He was appointed to the Mayor’s Council on Disabilities in Chesapeake and became fully involved with fundraising efforts to support MDA’s research and services programs.

Arrington is a strong advocate of accessibility to public buildings and accessible public transportation, and is helping raise funds to build a therapeutic recreation center for people with disabilities. He often is asked to speak publicly about disability issues.

Jerry Farris, 38 Spinal muscular atrophy type 2 Pinson, Ala.

Jerry Farris’ parents learned he had a neuromuscular disease when he was 2 years old. Doctors told them he would not live past the age of 5. He had persevered sufficiently that President Ronald Reagan proudly shook his hand when Farris was 11.

Today, Farris uses a power wheelchair for mobility and requires assistance with most of his daily activities. Although he has very little muscle control, he can use his right arm and hand to move his computer mouse, and uses voice controls to manage keyboard operations and household actions such as opening doors. With the thumb of his left hand he can control various micro buttons to control other functions on his computer and wheelchair.

Currently the server administrator, Web site programmer and sales coordinator for Walnut Ridge Valuations in Foley, Ala., Farris has more than 15 years of in-depth experience with computer systems.

Despite having no formal education past the 9th grade, he is an accomplished Web site designer, Web site administrator and Web site programmer; database and server administrator, owner and manager of computer retail businesses and photo portfolio manager.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Farris also is a member of the Birmingham Consumer Advisory Council on Disabilities, is a popular motivational speaker on the subjects of disability and political awareness and assists the University of Alabama at Birmingham with classes on occupational therapy, physical therapy and assistive technology for people with disabilities.

Andrew Moody, 36 Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease Phoenix, Ariz.

When he was 10 months old, Andrew Moody’s parents learned he had a neuromuscular disease. Today he has limited use of his arms and legs below elbows and knees, little function in his fingers and his vision is impaired in both eyes.

In spite of his physical challenges, Moody persevered in school and earned both bachelors and masters degrees, the latter in special education with emphasis on school guidance counseling.

Today he works as an information and referral program coordinator for Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL) in Phoenix. He provides information about resources and professional services available to people with disabilities. He also makes public presentations about the services available through ABIL.

In addition to his professional career, Moody is a member of MDA’s Phoenix Chapter Executive Committee and serves as a facilitator for an MDA support group that counsels people newly diagnosed with neuromuscular diseases.

Emily Munson, 25 Spinal muscular atrophy Indianapolis, Ind.

Emily Munson is not ambulatory; she uses a power wheelchair for mobility. Despite her physical challenges, she persevered in school and earned a bachelors degree from Hanover College. Now she is in final stages of earning a dual degree in law and philosophy at Indiana University Indianapolis School of Law. Her emphasis is on medical ethics, which she hopes to apply, as a lawyer, on behalf of people with disabilities.

Munson has been awarded internships at both her Congressman’s office and a disability rights organization in Washington, D.C. She recently completed a program with the Governor’s Council on Disability which trains people with disabilities to be advocates for themselves and others in the community. While in college she fought successfully for her rights to have accessible housing on campus.

In 2009, Munson also was Ms. Wheelchair Indiana. She traveled around the state to promote emergency preparedness for people with disabilities, and was interviewed on the local broadcast of the MDA Stars Across America Labor Day Telethon.

PAA State Recipients

Patricia Banks, 63 ALS Wasilla, Alaska

After her husband retired in 1997, Patricia Banks and he bought a motor home and toured much of America. Wanting to stay active, they worked as volunteers and docents for many outdoor educational activities such as bird watching programs. It was in that role that Banks first began experiencing the symptoms of ALS in 2001, although she didn’t receive an accurate diagnosis until 2004. Since then, Banks has continually sought out others with the disease in order to comfort them and share her own experiences in coping with ALS. She also has worked diligently to raise thousands of dollars for MDA and ALS research, in part by selling clothing she knitted from the wool harvested and spun from her own llama and sheep flocks.

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Reese Barnes, 76 ALS Little Rock, AR

Although widowed, living alone and daily confronted with the effects of a debilitating disease for four years, Reese Barnes stayed very active in her church and community. She also wrote a cookbook titled Reese’s Southern Favorites. All proceeds from sales of the book go toward ALS research at the MDA/ALS clinic at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

John Wilkins, 55 Congenital muscular dystrophy Fresno, Calif.

John Wilkins earned a bachelors degree in sociology from New Mexico State University. He is the only one of his siblings with muscular dystrophy and the only one to graduate from college. For most of his adult life, Wilkins has devoted himself to and been an outspoken advocate of rights for people with disabilities and their caregivers. Wilkins worked for the Center for Independent Living – Fresno and the Central Valley In-Home Supportive Service Coalition, frequently lobbying the highest levels of California government for needed change in state laws, including higher levels of compensation for caregivers. John stepped down as chairman after seven years in order to focus on operating the IHSS Coalition website. He also speaks to MDA support group members to explain the current status of laws affecting them and the importance of self-advocacy. 

Kevin Brady, 55 ALS Denver, Colo.

A prominent ophthalmologist in Denver for more than 20 years, Kevin Brady specialized in retinal disease. He was a strong advocate of research to define new and innovative retinal surgeries, authored important books and papers, both on his own and in collaboration with others in his field, and made many presentations to his peers. Since his ALS diagnosis in 2007, and as his disease symptoms have progressed, he has volunteered to test new types of assistive technology for people with disabilities, from the perspective of a patient.

Kristin Duquette, 19 Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy East Hartford, Conn.

Although she relies on a wheeled walker or manual wheelchair for mobility, Kristin Duquette is an accomplished swimmer. She has broken three junior national Paralympic records and is the only person in the country with her disability classification to complete the 200-meter backstroke. Her time in the 50-meter backstroke has her world-ranked. A student at Wheaton College – where she maintains a near-perfect 4.0 GPA – she hopes to qualify for the U.S. Paralympic team for the 2012 Paralympics in London. Duquette also is an accomplished violinist and public speaker. She has made many presentations in communities and schools across Connecticut to raise awareness of disability issues.

Gabriel Vergara, 30 Pompe disease Miami, Fla.

Born in Columbia, Gabriel Vergara distinguished himself academically by earning advanced degrees in bacteriology and management, and auditing of health quality. He then moved to the United States to seek better health care and went on to earn a degree in medical technology. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Vergara has been very involved in MDA community fundraising events and activities to raise public awareness of disability issues, as part of his personal goal to help find a cure for neuromuscular diseases.

Pam Barfield, 32 Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease Cedartown, Ga.

Pam Barfield has a college degree in accounting and worked for the Georgia Department of Labor before the pain of her disease precluded that type of employment. Married and the mother of three, she now volunteers at Cherokee Elementary School by mentoring several students every year; she also helps people who are elderly or disabled file their tax returns; and she volunteers at Animal Control to foster and bottle feed kittens until they can make it on their own. In addition, she is very active at MDA fundraising events (including Relay for Life and Walk of Hope) and other activities to raise public awareness of disability issues. 

Neil Kalani, 23 Duchenne muscular dystrophy Mililani, Hawaii

Neil Kalani has lived with Duchenne muscular dystrophy since he was 4 years old. Despite physical challenges, he persevered in school and obtained an associate’s degree in digital media production from University of Hawaii Leeward Community College.

Kalani has used his digital media expertise to produce videos of activities at MDA summer camp for children with neuromuscular diseases. He also has used his video production skills to create music videos depicting the lives of members of his young adult support group.

Cecilia Washington, 54 ALS Springfield, Ill.

In her professional career of more than 30 years, Cecilia Washington started out as a legal secretary, then took coursework at the University of Springfield to obtain certification as a paralegal. The year she graduated, her husband died in a drowning accident. Her son while in high school suffered a spinal injury in an auto accident that meant he –as she does today – must use a wheelchair for mobility. Washington for many years stayed busy with philanthropic activities, including with the Elks Club and American Legion Auxiliary in Springfield, for which she served as both president and chaplain. She and her son regularly visited the Gateway Alcohol and Drug Rehab Center in Springfield to counsel young men on how they can overcome obstacles in their lives.  Since her ALS diagnosis in 2008, Washington has been very active in MDA fundraising activities and in 2009 her accomplishments were profiled on the local telecast of the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon.

Steven Thomas, 64 ALS Cedar Rapids, Iowa

For nearly 40 years, until his ALS diagnosis, Steven Thomas worked as a physical therapist at St. Luke’s Hospital. Since then, wanting to somehow continue helping others, he has volunteered for the dirty and demanding job of reclaiming thousands of Cedar Rapids homes that were damaged by floods in 2008. More than 20,000 residents who were displaced by the disaster have been able to return home, thanks to the program in which Thomas participated. Thomas continued to volunteer even as the symptoms of his disease progressed. In June 2009, Governor Chester Culver presented him with an Iowa Commission of Volunteer Service award for his work on behalf of others.

Steve Kramer, 54 Becker muscular dystrophy Topeka, Kan.

Steve Kramer works in the fiscal and budget department of Social and Rehabilitative Services, State of Kansas. He is a strong advocate of accessible public transit for people with disabilities.

He is an active member of his MDA support group that offers advice and counseling to him and others with his disease. He also speaks out on behalf of all rights for those with disabilities, and was on hand to lend his support when Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson proclaimed March Disability Awareness Month earlier this year.

Kirk Kellogg, 40 Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease New Orleans, La.

Kirk Kellogg, who learned he has CMT at age 20, served as the pastor of a community church in Missouri for two years, then became an after-school program director in Kansas City, where he coordinated activities to mentor and feed inner-city youth. Despite progressive muscle weakness, today Kellogg is a chaplain at Harmony Hospice in New Orleans, where he ministers to the spiritual needs of those at the end of their lives, and their loved ones. Kellogg also is a public speaker who advocates for the care of people with disabilities. He and his wife have volunteered at their local broadcast of the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon.

Pamela Brown, 54 Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy Portland, Maine

Although Pamela Brown can walk and shows little outward sign of her disability, she also lives with great pain and weakness at all times. Even a small amount of physical exertion can be exhausting for her. Nonetheless, for a decade she has devoted hours each day to others who, like her, have muscle diseases and are being helped by MDA. Brown is a member, leader and comforting influence at MDA support groups for individuals and families affected by neuromuscular diseases. She also is an energetic volunteer at MDA Lock-Up® fundraising events. Every Labor Day weekend, she can be counted on as a stalwart volunteer during local broadcasts of the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon. Pamela Brown could be sitting at home marshaling her strength, but she chooses to expend it in behalf of others.

Deborah Goessling, 56 ALS Wayland, Mass.

Deborah Goessling has devoted most of her adult life to instructing others how to teach children with disabilities.
She is an associate professor at Providence College in Rhode Island where she has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in special education (in which she has a doctorate) since 1995. Long an advocate for the rights of all people with disabilities, Goessling has written a variety of publications on the subject and has spoken at both national and international conferences of her peers. Although she now relies on a power wheelchair to get around, and she grows weaker, she is determined to continue teaching as long as possible.

Tammie Groth, 28 Spinal muscular atrophy Livonia, Mich.

A stellar student, Tammie Groth earned bachelor’s degrees in English and psychology with a 3.99 GPA. Currently she is a middle school teacher in the Talented and Gifted Program at East Middle School in Plymouth, Mich. Her professional affiliations include Kappa Delta Pi (national honor society in education) and Phi Alpha Theta (national honor society in history). In addition to volunteering as a chaperone at school activity nights and other after-school activities, she’s very active in MDA fundraising events and other activities that serve people with disabilities.

Angela Folie, 31 Spinal muscular atrophy Minneapolis, Minn.

Angela Folie earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of La Crosse and a doctorate in clinical psychology from Minnesota School of Professional Psychology. She currently works as a psychologist for Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, part of Allina Hospitals and Clinics in Minneapolis.

While in college, concerned about physical accessibility problems for students with disabilities, Folie prompted an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice into the university’s noncompliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition to school and work activities, she has played power (wheelchair) hockey for two teams for several years, and frequently volunteers at MDA fundraising events.

Michelle Williams, 37 Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease Jackson, Miss.

Michelle Williams worked 10 years as a medical technologist for health care institutions in Mississippi and Louisiana before her disease made it impossible for her to continue. In addition to helping her husband care for their four children – three of whom have the same disease she does – Williams shifted her energies to community service and helping others with neuromuscular diseases. In addition to being very active in her church, where she is president of the Married Couples Ministry and a member of the choir, Williams is a strong supporter of MDA’s fundraising and services programs. She involves her children’s schools in fundraising efforts and appears on the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon to help spread awareness of MDA’s dual missions of help and hope.

Susan Kress, 55 Spinal muscular atrophy type 3 St. Louis, Mo.

Susan Kress learned as a child that she has a neuromuscular disease, but she never allowed that fact to stop her from pursuing her personal goals – goals that always have involved helping others.  A native of St. Louis, Kress earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Webster University. Much of her professional career was spent with the St. Charles County YMCA, where she worked first as a site coordinator, then program director. She oversaw programs for elementary school children that included day care and summer camp. In 2003, Delmar Gardens nursing facility in Florissant asked her to organize and serve as director of its new Early Childhood Center. These days, Kress drops off her husband at work in the morning, then drives to the childhood center where she transfers to her power scooter. The children, who love both her and her scooter, give her plenty of “leg hugs.”  She encourages them to participate in MDA fundraising efforts, such as the annual Hop-A-Thon® disability awareness program for young children.

Dwight Hodges, 59 Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease Billings, Mont.

For most of his life, Dwight Hodges lived with clumsiness, weakness and pain, not realizing until many years later that he had a neuromuscular disease. He nonetheless had made a living as a rancher and farmer until he severely injured his shoulder at age 48.  When he asked about switching vocations to computer technology he was told he was too old and stupid to learn. He proved his critics wrong in a big way by earning a four-year college degree in two years, with a 3.91 GPA. He now works for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation where he builds and maintains databases. Hodges also volunteers many hours of his time to help others with disabilities. He’s grateful to MDA for all the help he’s received at clinic, in obtaining his wheelchair and in having his home modified so he can easily wheel in and out. He “pays back” by helping out at fundraising events and making appearances on the local broadcast of the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon.

Douglas Krecklow, 58 Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease Omaha, Neb.

Douglas Krecklow has devoted more than 40 years to serving as a teacher and coach in swimming, diving and aquatics. In addition to teaching first aid and CPR, for many years he was director of swimming competitions for the Special Olympics. Krecklow regularly helps people with disabilities learn how to benefit from water exercise and sports. Since 1979, he has been a swimming and diving coach and educator for Westside Community Schools. He also volunteers at special events and activities to raise money for MDA’s research and services programs.

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Lee Browning, 37 Friedreich’s ataxia Las Vegas, Nev.

Before his disease manifested itself fully, Browning played both the piano and drums. When he could play no longer, he switched his college major to music composition, and went on to earn both bachelors and masters degrees. His classical music arrangements have been played internationally.

Browning is a member of the board of directors for the Fine Arts Chapter of the University of Las Vegas Alumni Association and the Nevada Adaptive Sports Club. He plays quad rugby for the Sin City Skulls which, in 2010, will be competing nationally. Although the effects of his disease are progressing, he works out several times a week, and is one of the few quadriplegics who can lift his own body weight.

Browning is also a strong supporter of MDA’s research and services programs, and devotes time every week to helping out at MDA fundraising activities.

Daniel Marquis, 20 Spinal muscular atrophy Litchfield, N.H.

Home-schooled for most of his life, Daniel Marquis entered public school for the first time in his junior year, attending Campbell High School in Litchfield. The first student at the school to use a wheelchair, he quickly became a member of the National Honor Society. After graduation, with the cautious approval of his parents, he moved away from home for the first time and enrolled in Southern New Hampshire University, living on his own. He joined the drama club, doing both acting and directing; got a job in the technology department; joined the chorus; and worked closely with the school’s disability services office, advocating for students with disabilities on campus and those who had entered the workplace after graduation. Marquis continues to pursue a degree in special education with a goal of teaching special needs children.

Loren Dils, 44 ALS Albuquerque, N.M.

Loren Dils was a high school tennis champ and coached collegiate tennis for 18 years. Learning that he had ALS came as a shock to him, his wife and their two small sons, but they’re adjusting by moving into a single-level home that will be more accessible to Dils as his weakness progresses. After receiving an ALS diagnosis, Dils traveled to Washington to lobby Congress for more government support of ALS research. He also lent his voice in support of a national ALS registry that will facilitate research by creating a central database of information from people who have the disease.

Brian Schwenzfeier, 24 Duchenne muscular dystrophy Watervliet, N.Y.

Brian Schwenzfeier uses a power wheelchair for mobility and a ventilator to assist him with breathing, but he still has made an enviable success of his academic and professional careers. Always an honor student, Schwenzfeier earned bachelors and masters degrees in music education and was regularly awarded scholastic honors. While in high school he mentored a younger student who also had Duchenne muscular dystrophy to show him that people with disabilities can overcome challenges and succeed. Now a vocal and music teacher for the Young Actors Guild in Troy, Schwenzfeier also is a member of the St. Rose Chamber Choir, the St. Rose Men’s Glee Club and the St. Rose Masterworks Chorale. He also is an energetic supporter of MDA’s fundraising and services programs. Every year through his personal efforts he raises money for MDA that he presents on the local broadcast of the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon. One year he raised $15,000.

Fern Cohen, 55 ALS Rego Park, N.Y.

After 20 years in the international travel and tourism industries, Fern Cohen “switched gears” and taught English, French and Spanish to high school students in the inner-city area of East Harlem. She said the challenges of teaching to severely economically disadvantaged students helped her deal with the challenges of ALS when she learned she had the disease in 2004. Long before her ALS diagnosis, Cohen was an energetic supporter of charitable causes to help people with diseases such as polio and AIDS. Now she is an equally energetic supporter of MDA’s efforts to find treatments and a cure for ALS. She is an active and comforting presence at the MDA ALS monthly support group meetings in the city. Her blog, http://fernals.blogspot.com, tells visitors about her life with ALS.

John Tharaldsen, 67 Myotonic muscular dystrophy Bismarck, N.D.

John Tharaldsen earned a bachelors degree in behavioral and social sciences from the University of Mary. He worked as a regional manager in hiring and training for Motorola Communications for nine years, but his disability forced him to seek alternate work. He now is an ordained deacon in the Catholic Church, and his professional endeavors have been focused on helping others for organizations such as the North Dakota Conference of Churches, the Diocese of Bismarck and North Dakota Youth Correctional Center. He currently is a chaplain providing spiritual assistance to patients at St. Alexius Medical Center, but also is very active in helping the homeless and in volunteering for MDA fundraising and services programs. Recently he helped create an MDA support group that provides comfort and advice for people newly affected by neuromuscular diseases.

Tiffany Nicole McGrady, 34 Friedreich’s Ataxia North Canton, Ohio

Tiffany “Nikki” McGrady teaches school in the inner city for Akron City Schools. Her full-time job is teaching children in grades 6 to 8 who have severe mental and physical disabilities.  After hours she mentors at-risk children who often have very little family involvement in their lives. Knowing what it is to live with a neuromuscular disease, McGrady also has proved herself an invaluable resource in guiding and coaching others, especially young people who also have such diseases. In college, while on the way to earning her masters degree in education, McGrady earned a reputation as a strong and vocal advocate for accessibility to campus facilities for people with disabilities. At home she works as the married mother of two young children.

Samantha Moreno, 27 Spinal muscular atrophy Ada, Okla.

A graduate of East Central University with a bachelor’s degree in human services and rehabilitation counseling, Samantha “Sam” Moreno now is pursuing a graduate degree in rehabilitation counseling at the same institution. She has organized and belongs to several campus groups that address issues such as diversity, rehabilitation and disability, including the ADA Committee, Diversity Committee and the Black Thread Society (students with disabilities).

Moreno also is the reigning Ms. Wheelchair Oklahoma and travels the state raising awareness of the need to eliminate architectural and perceptual barriers for people with disabilities. Her slogan is, “Employment Equals Independence.”

Catrina Denning, 35 ALS Portland, Ore.

A self-professed “workaholic” before her ALS diagnosis in 2005, Denning vowed to earn college degrees in criminal justice despite the physical progression of her disease. Because she no longer can write, class lectures are recorded, and an assistant transcribes them onto Denning’s computer so she can study. In July, Denning was the first wheelchair user to graduate with an associate’s degree from Heald College in Portland, and made the dean’s list for three terms. The single mother of two teenagers, she also worked as a mentor to help students having difficulty with studies and motivation. She now hopes to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Joyce Baker, 69 Mitochondrial myopathy Lansdale, Pa.

For most of her adult life, Joyce Baker was a registered nurse. She began her nursing career in labor and delivery, then moved on to rehab nursing, working with Workers Compensation injuries. She started a nurse program at her church, took blood pressure readings, produced a monthly newsletter, coordinated hospice care and arranged health presentations, including for CPR training.

After retiring, and in spite of her own progressing health challenges, Baker continued work for North Penn Visiting Nurse Association and worked with MDA to create a new support group for people with her disease.

Davonta “Tyree” Cook, 17 Duchenne muscular dystrophy Cross Hill, S.C.

In spite of daunting physical challenges, Tyree Cook graduated in May in the top 10 percent of his class at Clinton High School. He was a member of the high school band, science committee and BETA Club, an organization for 5th to 12th graders that recognizes academic achievement, leadership, character and service. At a special school assembly, Cook was presented multiple awards in front of more than 1,000 students and faculty in the school gymnasium and received a standing ovation. He has a “never take no for an answer” outlook on life.

Jessica Konechne, 33 Mitochondrial myopathy Burke, S.D.

Jessica Konechne was raised as a self-sufficient, hard-working young lady on her parents’ ranch. After attending school, she returned to ranching and to raise her two children, and continued to demonstrate a powerful work ethic and strong desire to help others. She volunteered with the local Head Start program, providing services to low-income children and their families, and mentoring a young girl with developmental disabilities. She also provided an important source of support for her sister-in-law, who has multiple sclerosis.  Konechne’s civic and humanitarian endeavors have not been deterred by the progression of her mitochondrial myopathy, which takes a toll on her muscles and ability to walk.

Andrew Roles, 24 Duchenne muscular dystrophy Austin, Texas

Andrew Roles has had to deal with daunting health issues almost since he was born, but it’s not a subject on which he dwells or wants others to dwell. Roles got off to a slow start in school because his disability affects his physical response times, but there’s nothing wrong with his intellect. Steadily, through high school and college, he picked up steam, earned four scholarships, made the Dean’s List all semesters and in 2008 graduated summa cum laude, 4.00 GPA, with a degree in business administration/finance. His college professors wrote glowing tributes to his character, tenacity, leadership and interpersonal skills. Concurrent with his school years, Roles also has been heavily involved with MDA, starting with MDA summer camp when he was a youngster. Today he volunteers many hours of his time to help out with MDA fundraising events and administrative tasks, including answering phones and eliciting donations from callers on the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon.

Joel Senesac, 31 Duchenne muscular dystrophy Colchester, Vt.

Despite the physical challenges of Duchenne muscular dystrophy since he was 2 years old, Joel Senesac drove himself to academic excellence. He was co-valedictorian of his high school class and graduated in the honors program at St. Michael’s College where he earned his bachelors degree in journalism. While in school, he received awards for his inspirational and determined attitude, and community service. Now a free-lance writer, Senesac continues his near-life-long support of MDA. He served as an MDA Goodwill Ambassador and has been an annual presence on the local broadcast of the MDA Stars Across America Labor Day Telethon for more than 20 years. A martial arts practitioner (he has a Black Belt in the Korean discipline of Moo Gong Do), Senesac organized a Moo Gong Do kick-a-thon fundraiser for MDA when he was 12, and has captained it every year since then.

Jessica Ramquist, 28 Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy Issaquah, Wash.

Jessica Ramquist worked hard to obtain undergraduate and graduate degrees despite formidable physical obstacles both here and abroad. After she earned her juris doctor degree from Seattle University School of Law in 2007, she went on to become an attorney and federal investigator for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. As part of her determination to show she could persevere in the face of challenge, she spent six months in Spain, where inaccessible buildings and public places are the norm. Upon her return, she committed herself to improving the lives of people with disabilities in this country.

She frequently leads public speaking engagements to discuss issues such as disability advocacy, antidiscrimination laws and achievement for those with disabilities. She also is very active in her support of local MDA fundraising activities. She even produced her own rock-and-roll charity concert and donated the funds to MDA.

Tim Hansen, 29 Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease Appleton, Wis.

Tim Hansen works as a salesman for Select Trusses in West Salem, and travels widely, but for more than 20 years he also has been involved with the summer camps that MDA provides at no cost to the families of children with neuromuscular diseases.

Attending camp first as a camper, then as a volunteer counselor, and finally as volunteer camp director, Hansen has devoted himself to making summer camp a truly barrier-free experience for children with neuromuscular diseases.

Hansen also volunteers at MDA fundraising events and mentors others who have recently learned they have Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Charles “Chuck” Gunther, 45 ALS Cody, Wyo.

For most of his life, Chuck Gunther was the replete Western outdoorsman.

He “rode everything” from horses to snowmobiles, was a hunting guide, all-around ranch hand and manager of assorted dude ranches in Wyoming and Colorado. He and his wife still manage the 7D Dude Ranch outside of Cody, but ALS is slowing down his former full-bore pace of riding assorted steeds. These days he spends considerable time speaking out about the ability of ALS to strike people in all walks of life…and of the need to find a cure for the devastating disease.  His goal is to “put a face” on ALS. He also has participated in an ALS drug trial, and devotes many volunteer hours to helping raise funds for MDA’s research and services programs.