Noah Tompkins, Age 15
Bloomington, IN

Home and Family

Noah is the son of Darla and Doug Tompkins. He has two brothers.

Diagnosis

Noah was diagnosed with Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) in October 2015. Limb-Girdle muscular dystrophy isn’t one disease. It’s 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

Noah is an enthusiastic sophomore in high school who enjoys Latin class and playing the saxophone in band.

Interests

Noah loves music and playing the alto saxophone, which he plays by reading off sheet music or freestyle. In fact, he enjoys music so much that he often tries playing any instrument he can get his hands on. Noah also likes to read, even if it is for school! His favorite literature is the Iliad and the Odyssey by Homer and other classic Greek mythology.

MDA Activities

Noah has been a regular attendee at MDA Summer Camp and enjoyed it so much that he regularly takes time to visit with MDA patrons and tell them about how MDA camp and other services have impacted his life. Noah and his family have raised money for MDA through the annual Muscle Walk and involving local schools in fundraising efforts. Additionally, Noah has participated in a variety of Fill the Boot events, visited shamrock locations, and attended MDA lock-ups.