MDA Chicago Muscle Walk MC Billy Z is Changing the World One Slice at a Time

Eight years ago, if you were looking for Billy Zureikat you would find him on the basketball court. The 38-year-old, former ESPN producer and current logistics manager’s passion was on the court. That all changed when years of symptoms and eventually a diagnosis in 2021 of limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) began to impact his . . .

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MDA Welcomes National Volunteer Month with Gratitude

For over 70 years, MDA has led the way as the #1 Voluntary Health Organization in the U.S. for people living with neuromuscular diseases. We build on our legacy of innovation in research, care, and fundraising by celebrating National Volunteer Month, to thank our volunteers who work tirelessly to support MDA’s mission and the families . . .

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What’s New for MDA Muscle Walk in 2020

Since 2011, MDA Muscle Walks have been gathering individuals living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases with their families, friends, and communities across America. Together, they’ve raised awareness of everyday life with muscle disease — and they’ve raised $49 million to fund expert care and innovative research directed toward delivering cures. This year, . . .

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At a Cedars-Sinai Care Center, Dr. Robert Baloh Looks Under — and Ahead of — the Microscope for CMT and ALS

Even though the Martinez family lives in Burbank, Calif., within an hour’s drive to Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, their road to the hospital’s specialized clinics — to Dr. Robert Baloh and his work there — was a long one. Daniel and Gladis Martinez have two daughters: Genesis, 15, and Isabella, 14, born just 10 . . .

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Through MDA Muscle Walk, Mike Wernet Gives Back

If you have ever participated in an MDA Muscle Walk event in Southern California, chances are you have encountered Mike Wernet of San Juan Capistrano. The retired auto mechanic is a mainstay at Muscle Walks throughout the region, having been inspired to volunteer ever since being diagnosed with mitochondrial myopathy in 1996 at the age of 46. Now 67, Mike and his family participate in as many as four walks per year. He has found it a great way to give back to an organization that has played an integral role in not just his own life but also the lives of others…

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