An expression of the live unlimited spirit, stories and voices of the MDA community
Personal care attendants (PCAs) play a crucial role in helping people in the neuromuscular disease community day to day. Whether they’re assisting with activities of daily living or managing medical equipment, PCAs often make independent living possible. But they can be hard to find. The first hire — or the second or third — might . . .
The Sweeneys — John, 58; his wife, Jennifer, 50; and daughters Dana, 24; Rachel, 22; and Ashley, 19 — live in a rowhouse in a small suburb outside of Philadelphia. Their street, John says, is busy — not unlike life inside the rowhouse lately. During the pandemic, the girls were living, working, and attending school . . .
As we wrap up National Disability Employment Awareness Month, it is vital those living with a disability know their employment rights, learn what to do if they feel their employer is not making accommodations required by law, and see how they can take action on legislation that would provide even more incentives for companies to . . .
On Oct. 27, Scholar Rock announced positive results from an interim analysis of its phase 2 clinical trial evaluating SRK-015, a therapy for treating spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). After six months of treatment with SRK-015, patients with SMA types 2 and 3 demonstrated significant motor function improvements, as measured by the Hammersmith scale, with higher dose . . .
Researchers at the University of Rochester in New York seek people diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) who are interested in helping to develop disease-specific patient-reported outcome measures for future clinical trials. This survey will help to determine the most critical symptoms of children, young adults, and adults with DMD, and as a result, it . . .
On Oct. 16, Amylyx announced an update from its CENTAUR trial evaluating the effects of the investigational drug AMX0035 (a combination of the small molecules sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol) on overall survival in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The current study followed each participant in the CENTAUR trial for up to three years from . . .
We are excited to announce the launch of a new MDA program to foster partnerships and fund innovative work for the neuromuscular disease (NMD) community: MDA Collaboration Grants. An expansion of MDA’s existing Advocacy Grants program, this new venture will enable us to solicit and seek out exciting new projects that will benefit the unique . . .
Sarah Jean Schwegel, who has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), works as the Public Policy and Advocacy specialist at Paraquad in St. Louis, Mo. In 2015, Sarah graduated from Maryville University with a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Services. In 2018, she graduated from Saint Louis University with a master’s in Public Administration. Before she started working . . .
Tomeca Goodwin, 46, lives with a form of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD). Born in Cincinnati, where she still resides, Tomeca has had a long career in community health. She also owns and creates sweet confections through Unique Candy Cakes by Mec. She loves a good gut-busting, tear-dropping laugh (even at herself), and enjoys reading, spending . . .
Elections are fundamental to a thriving democracy, and it’s vital everyone can exercise their right to vote, including those living with a disability. We know you may have questions about the process — and MDA’s Advocacy Institute has answers to help you make a plan to vote during this election. Voting is my right, but . . .
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