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.
Tag: Goodwill Ambassadors
Former MDA National Ambassador Abbey Umali shares big plans post grad
Recent high school graduate Abbey Umali, a former MDA National Ambassador who lives with CMT, shares her plans for the future.
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.
The Powerhouse With the Power Chair: Meet Kierra, MDA’s North Carolina State Ambassador
She’s always been a whirlwind. But Kierra’s new power chair has turned that whirlwind into a tiny tornado.
Raising Awareness for MDA in Her Own Fashion: Massachusetts State Ambassador Keisha Greaves Advocates in Style
31-year old Keisha Greaves of Cambridge, Mass., lives her life with flair. With a degree in fashion design and merchandising, this fashionista lives and breathes style. Keisha, who has a subtype-unknown form of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD), uses her fashion background to bring together her two of her favorite passions: clothing design and advocacy.
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.
Former MDA Camper and State Ambassador Named Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin
Myranda Gereau met Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin as a girl at MDA Summer Camp at age 8. Now, years later, she proudly wears the crown she dreamed of as a child.
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?
“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.
Iowa State Goodwill Ambassador, Gianna, Shares a Powerful Message
Gianna Schwartz was born to write. Just 10 years old, the fifth-grader from Bettendorf, Iowa, has already won writing contests sponsored by PBS and participated in poetry slams. She’s even written a children’s book that was purchased at an auction by a Major League baseball player. Gianna — who is the Iowa State Goodwill Ambassador . . .
