Episode 47- Wrapping Up 2024 with Leah and Ira

Thursday, December 5, 2024

In this Quest Podcast episode, we chat with Muscular Dystrophy Association’s National Ambassadors, Leah Z., and Ira Walker. Leah is a dedicated advocate finishing her second year as a National Ambassador. Leah shares her journey and why she believes it is important to advocate for yourself and others. As Ira wraps up his first year as a National Ambassador and prepares to start his second year, he chats about how connecting with his community and sharing his story with others through MDA has been life changing. These Ambassadors join us to share their experiences, expertise, and advice.

Your Guests

Leah Z.

Leah Z. is 17 years old and was born with an ultra-rare form of neuromuscular disease. She is an accomplished actress, dancer, model and adaptive athlete. She has danced on the Lincoln Center stage, walked in New York Fashion Week…twice, and appeared in the Jennifer Lopez movie, Marry Me.

Connect with Leah:

Instagram – @leahj.zelaya

Ira Walker

Ira Walker is a 39-year-old who lives with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). He’s an avid sports fan, cultural connoisseur of the arts, and an impressive cook who is constantly evolving his culinary abilities. A highly independent and active gentlemen that is living his dream and best life in south Florida while working an exciting career in HR and loves exploring the the sights and sounds of his environment in his sophisticated modified van.

Connect with Ira:

Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/IraWalker321

Host: Mindy Henderson

Mindy Henderson is MDA’s Vice President of Disability Outreach & Empowerment & Editor-in-Chief of Quest Media, and the host of this podcast. She was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, type 2 when she was 15 months old and has been a life-long partner to MDA. Mindy is also a motivational speaker and a writer, and author of the book, The Truth About Things That Suck.

Connect with Mindy:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendersonmindy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindyhendersonspeaks/