“Joe Akmakjian: National Ambassador” Season One Recap
Joe Akmakjian had a whirl wind year serving as MDA’s first adult National Goodwill Ambassador! Check out some of his highlights from 2016.
Author: Joe Akmakjian
Introducing MDA’s Revamped Programs for Young Adults with Neuromuscular Diseases
OK, friends. I’ve got some really great news. As you know, MDA’s commitment to improving the lives of young adults living with muscle-debilitating diseases is near to my heart. It’s why I chose to accept the role as the first adult MDA National Goodwill Ambassador. It’s been almost a year since we began implementing MDA’s . . .
I Don’t Dream of Running — But I’m Grateful MDA Team Momentum Does
“What would you do if you weren’t disabled?” Yep — that’s the hard-hitting question everyone and their mother wants to know. Can you say, #cliché? Truthfully, at this point, anyone who’s anyone knows I would twerk. And that’s what I’ve started telling people. But when most people ask, “twerking” isn’t generally the answer they’re hoping . . .
MDA’s Most Enthusiastic Fans: Letter Carriers Deliver at Their National Convention
I was warned. Yes, upon accepting the invitation to speak at the National Association of Letter Carriers convention in Los Angeles, I was told to prepare myself. Everyone said that NALC members are some of the MDA’s most enthusiastic supporters. And they were right. But I already knew what I was in for. The NALC . . .
My First Business Trip to Las Vegas: For Fire Fighters and Because of Fire Fighters
They say “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” But my experience at the 53rd International Association of Fire Fighters convention was too good not to share with you. This wasn’t my first trip to Las Vegas, but it was the first time I found myself in Sin City on business. This trip made me . . .
Joe Akmakjian’s Top Advice for Making College Accessible and Enjoyable
Navigating through college isn’t easy for anyone, but it can be especially tricky for people with disabilities. Here are some quick tips to help those of you heading off to college this fall — as well as anyone considering attending university one day. 1. Pick a school you want to attend, not one you are . . .
Why We Walk: Joe Akmakjian’s Photo Essay of the 2016 Denver Muscle Walk
Earlier this month, in my home state of Colorado, I had the honor of attending the Denver MDA Muscle Walk with some amazing families and individuals. Not only was it great to be back home, it was wonderful meeting so many inspiring groups of people. It never ceases to amaze me how close everyone in . . .
MDA Summer Camp is Where I Learned What it Means to Live Unlimited
Although I would later come to associate MDA Summer Camp with the words joy, freedom and independence, that’s not how I felt in the beginning. In fact, I was terrified to go. When my mom told me she had signed me up for MDA’s summer camp in Empire, Colorado, I threw a massive temper tantrum . . .
Leaving Limits in the Dust at the Black-N-Blue Ball
To say that Harley-Davidson and MDA were made for each other doesn’t fully do the relationship justice. But for two organizations that may seem on their surfaces to have little in common, there are a number of uncanny similarities. One of them I continue to be surprised by is the spirit of living unlimited. Harley . . .
Mansfield Golf Classic Trip Report: A Hole in One!
Over the last six months, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting great people all over the country. This week’s trip to Georgia was no exception. The Mansfield Golf Classic is a prime demonstration of the commitment our sponsors have to helping individuals and families living with muscle-debilitating diseases. Mansfield Oil Company’s 30-year partnership with . . .
