Former MDA National Ambassador Joe Akmakjian Shares Tips for a Successful Move
Former MDA National Ambassador Joe Akmakjian shares his tips and tricks for a successful moving experience.
Author: Joe Akmakjian
Former MDA National Ambassador Joe Akmakjian Reflects on the Last Two Years with MDA
As we celebrate the new year, former MDA National Ambassador Joe Akmakjian takes the time to celebrate accomplishments of the past while looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.
A Close Friend Finds Inspiration in MDA Team Momentum
Joe Akmakjian has always been an avid fan of MDA Team Momentum but this year he had an extra special reason to root them on.
Debunking Myths about SMA
MDA National Ambassador Joe Akmakjian debunks a few myths about SMA in recognition of SMA Awareness Month.
Becoming a Science Person, Sort Of: My First Research Blog
Joe Akmakjian shares highlights from his interview with MDA grant recipient Mattia Quattrocelli.
Advocating for the Whole Community Starts with Self-Advocacy: Reflections from the MDA Advocacy Conference
Spending time in our nation’s capital with dozens of other MDA families gave me a new sense of empowerment and taught me to apply a skill I’ve already honed in my personal life to the public policy arena. It was inspiring and exciting to see so many people come together in one place to do our part in making this country a better place for people who live with muscle-debilitating diseases.
I’m an Adult. Talk to Me Like One.
I’m a 25-year-old college graduate. I’m an adult and I can prove it. I have bills, grown-up responsibilities and the obligation to do things I don’t want to do. Still, regardless of the date of birth listed on my Colorado State ID, some people still treat me like a kid. Unfortunately, a lot of the world finds it easy to infantilize people with disabilities.
Cooking with Caregivers: A Guide
As an adult living independently with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Joe Akmakjian had to learn to cook for himself with the help of others. “Cooking through the hands of someone else is a talent,” he says.
Of Mice and Scientists: Joe Akmakjian Reports from the 2017 MDA Scientific Conference
National Ambassador Joe Akmakjian recently attended the 2017 MDA Scientific Conference. He writes, “I found the conference to be very hopeful and exciting experience. It was an honor to meet the people who have made a career out of saving my life and the lives of the other individuals and families. Everyone connected to MDA should be excited to know that these researchers are actively sharing ideas and discussing ways to solve problems and find the solutions we’re all looking for.”
Oh, Hello 2017 — I’m Ready for You
When I was asked to continue in my role as National Ambassador for MDA in 2017, I had to think about it for about a nanosecond before I gave my answer. Yes, of course! So it’s official: I’ve re-upped for another tour. 2016 will be a hard act to follow, but now that I’m a registered frequent flyer and have a year of ambassadorship under my belt, I can’t wait to try to top it. In fact, I’ve taken the liberty of compiling a list of experiences I’m looking forward to in 2017. Join me, won’t you?
