Jessica Albanese, Age 16
New Castle, DE

Home and Family

Jessica lives with her parents, younger sister Victoria, and their chocolate lab.

Diagnosis

Jessica was diagnosed with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy in 2008 at the MDA clinic at A.I. duPont Hospital in Wilmington. Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) is a group of disorders affecting voluntary muscles, mainly those around the hips and shoulders. LGMD, like other muscular dystrophies, is primarily a disorder of voluntary muscles. These are the muscles you use to move the limbs, neck, trunk and other parts of the body that are under voluntary control. Over time, muscle weakness and atrophy can lead to limited mobility and an inability to raise the arms above the shoulders.

School

Jessica is in 11th grade and her favorite subjects are science and math.

Interests

Jessica enjoys reading, watching movies, hanging out with friends, and participating in Girl Scouts.

MDA Activities

Jessica attends MDA Summer Camp and organizes a Muscle Walk team annually. She participates in Lock Ups, MDA Show of Strength, Ride for Life, and Shamrocks.