How to Manage Stress and Fear in Uncertain Times

Stressed about policy and funding changes? Prioritize self-care and follow these strategies to build your resilience in times of uncertainty.

MDA Conference Grants Support Resources to the Community

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) provides a significant number of research grants each year to scientists working in the field of neuromuscular diseases. But what many may not know is that MDA also provides grants to other organizations that provide services to individuals living with specific neuromuscular conditions, in the form of conference grants that…

Understanding the Threats to the ACL – and What It Means for You

In late March, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a ‘dramatic restructuring’ of the Department, including reorganization of the Administration for Community Living (ACL), an agency that supports people with disabilities and their right to live independently in the community. In the press release of the announcement, it was indicated that…

Life with Lily #2: Advocating for Disability Rights

Advocacy doesn’t always look bold or dramatic. Most of the time, it’s quiet, messy, and uncomfortable. Long before the first time I ever walked into a Congressional office to lobby my representatives for legislation that would support Americans with disabilities, I was already advocating. I just didn’t realize it. What hadn’t occurred to me was…

How to Plan the Perfect Summer Staycation

As the cost of living continues to rise in the United States, many individuals and families are re-evaluating their budgets. Typically, vacations are among the first things to get cut when creating a plan to save money. But trying to stay on budget this summer doesn’t mean that you have to cut out all of…

MDA Ambassador Guest Blog: A Life of Service

Greg Dodson lives in Tennessee with his wife, Mona. He is a US Army Veteran who has logged 3,862 jumps from airplanes! He received a diagnosis of ALS in 2019, though his symptoms were apparent much earlier. He is very involved in his local community and loves to give back. My name is Greg and…

A Message of Gratitude and Momentum: Leadership Changes at MDA

At the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), we’re marking a major moment in our history. Dr. Donald S. Wood, who has led MDA as President and CEO since 2020, has announced his decision to retire. This transition brings both celebration and reflection. For nearly five decades, Dr. Wood has been part of MDA’s mission as a…

How to Maximize Your College Experience by Advocating for Accommodations and Accessibility

Jaylin Hsu, from San Marino, California, is senior at the University of California, Los Angeles studying Molecular, Cell, & Developmental Biology. Since his freshman year, he has been involved in neuromuscular disease clinical research and plans to attend medical school. His passion stems from his scientific work and interactions with countless patients diagnosed with muscular…

In Case You Missed It…

Quest Media is an innovative adaptive lifestyle platform from MDA. With the power of this platform, we foster awareness and empowerment and have important conversations with experts, thought leaders, and members of the neuromuscular disease community about topics that matter to them and to the larger community of individuals with disabilities. With so many valuable…

A Fire Fighter’s Lasting Impact on the Fight Against ALS: Bob McAlvey’s Life & Legacy

The mission to find treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) hits especially close to home for fire fighters, with research revealing that they are twice as likely to develop the disease. For Monty Nye, his commitment to the fight to end ALS is fueled by a deeply personal connection – and provides a meaningful opportunity…

Quest Media is an innovative adaptive lifestyle platform from MDA. With the power of this platform, we foster awareness and empowerment and have important conversations with experts, thought leaders, and members of the neuromuscular disease community about topics that matter to them and to the larger community of individuals with disabilities. 

QUEST PODCAST

The Quest podcast, proudly presented by the Muscular Dystrophy Association, is part of the Quest family of content. Hosted by Quest Editor-in-Chief, motivational speaker and writer Mindy Henderson.

Episode 52- Defending Medicaid with the MDA Advocacy Team

In this Quest Podcast episode, we chat with Joel Cartner, MDA’s Director of Access Policy, and Jori Houck, MDA’s Manager of Advocacy Engagement. They join us to share the most recent updates and information about Medicaid benefits, current legislative efforts and what MDA’s Advocacy Team is doing to protect those efforts, and how you can…

Episode 51- Finding Joy in the Midst of Change

In this Quest Podcast episode, we chat with MDA Ambassador Jess Westman about embracing individuality and finding joy in our lives as paths and priorities change. The activist, actor, composer, author, and podcaster has devoted his career to providing joy and laughter to others and finds personal fulfillment through his faith and advocacy. Jess joins…

Episode 50- PJ’s Protocol: A Lifesaving Procedure Fueled by Love

In this episode of Quest Podcast, we chat with three pillars of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy community who are here with us on the 10th anniversary of PJ’s protocol. First, we have Brian Nicholoff whose son’s untimely passing was the catalyst for the creation of PJ’s protocol. Next is Amy Aikens whose son’s life was…