Quest Product Guide Feb25_bags

MDA Quest Media Product Guide

Welcome to the MDA Quest Media product guide! This guide is designed to help you find the products you need to live a more independent, stylish, fun, and all-around great life. All the products you see here were chosen by MDA Ambassadors, who shared exactly how each product helps them in their daily lives. Find something for yourself, or for someone else in your life who you want to get a thoughtful gift for. 

These items are recommended by MDA Ambassadors, but MDA does not receive any portion of the proceeds. This is a resource we have curated because we LOVE you and because we LOVE things that make your life just a little easier.

Shop 'Til you Drop!

These thoughtfully curated products are used and recommended by MDA Ambassadors. Each item you see here has enhanced the independence of one of our ambassadors and can do the same for other individuals living with a disability. 

Meet Our Ambassadors

Click on the buttons to read all about them and their favorite life hacks.

August

August J.

Ambassador Bio:

August is currently on a gap year before starting college at the University of Southern California, where he will be studying computer engineering and science. August lives with spinal muscular atrophy and is passionate about showing that disabilities don't define people.

FAVORITE LIFE-HACK:

My favorite life hack is attaching a rope to door handles in my house so that I can open and close them more easily.

August J.
Dave

Dave D.

Ambassador Bio:

Dave is a proud father and grandfather who lives in New York with his wife of 35 years. He spent many years as a musician, licensed massage therapist, and guitar tech. After attending an MDA Care Center, Dave was diagnosed with myofibrillar myopathy and spheroid myopathy.

FAVORITE LIFE-HACKS:

Stretching Twice a Day! In order to be preserve as much mobility and flexibility as possible, I must stretch in the morning and right before bed at night.  I use an adapted yoga routine that stretches my muscles without overstraining.

Dave D.
Emily S

Emily S.

Ambassador Bio:

Emily is a successful graphic desginer from Missouri. She lives with late onset Tay Sachs disease. Emily loves to create artwork that benefits a good cause!

FAVORITE LIFE-HACKS:

Emily's favorite life hack is using an hourly planner to help schedule not only her activities for the week, but also tasks that take energy. It helps spread out the tasks and not use all of her energy in one or two days. 

Emily S.
Haley

Haley F.

Ambassador Bio:

Haley lives in Iowa, where she runs Lazy J Rescue Ranch, an animal sanctuary, with her partner. Before working full time in animal rescue, she was inspired by her experiences living with spinal muscular atrophy to work in children's medical care.

FAVORITE LIFE-HACKS:

One of my favorite life hacks is planning meals a week at a time. Every Sunday, I create a meal plan and schedule a grocery pickup for Monday. Ordering groceries online has been a game-changer as it eliminates the hassle of navigating a store in my power wheelchair while struggling to push a cart or trying to fit everything into a basket on my lap. It also means I don’t have to worry about reaching items on high shelves when no one is nearby to help. Instead, I can order as much as I need, and then the store loads everything directly into my car. Once I get home, I can make multiple trips to get it all inside and then I have all the ingredients for the week’s meals so I don't have to conquer the grocery store again. This approach allows me to spread out tasks, like prepping fruits and vegetables, over several days when I feel up for it, so I don’t overwhelm myself or get too tired.

Haley F.
Julie

Julie I.

Ambassador Bio:

Julie lives in Ohio with her dogs. She is a hobby breeder, trainer, and handler of Maltese and Shihtzus. Living with congenital myasthenic syndrome and using a wheelchair makes showing dogs more difficult, but Julie is proud to be an inspiration for others to not give up on their goals.

Julie I.
Leslie Krongold Headshot

Leslie K.

Ambassador Bio:

Leslie had already been a longtime supporter of MDA when she was diagnosed with myotonic dystrophy in her mid 30's. Twenty-six years later, she continues to be a support group facilitator and community leader for those living with neuromuscular disease.

FAVORITE LIFE-HACK:

I'm a big fan of using the iCal app (so it shows up on my desktop, phone, and watch) so I remember all the things I need to do and want to do to maintain optimal health -- things like taking certain vitamins/supplements, online exercise programs, and social outings.

Leslie K.
Saida

Saida M.

Bio:
Saida is a college student and lives with congenital muscular dystrophy in California. She is a passionate advocate and loves to participate in pageants, travel, and help others however she can.

FAVORITE LIFE-HACK:

My favorite life hack is keeping a Button Hook on all my clothes so I can get my clothes on as easily and quickly as possible.

Saida M.
Samaher

Samaher (Sam) A.

Bio:
Samaher is a passionate advocate who lives with limb girdle muscular dystrophy. She earned her Bachelor's of Science in Cell Molecular Biology. Sam lives in California and loves to explore accessible trails and try new cuisines in her free time.

FAVORITE LIFE-HACK:

My three life hacks are: One, I use an emoji pillow on my right side while sitting in my wheelchair to improve my posture and provide additional support. Two, I use an electric kettle to quickly heat water for tea every night. And three, at the beginning of each year, I like to write down three goals I want to accomplish, three new cafes or restaurants I would like to try, and three new accessible sceneries or trails that I would like to explore.

Samaher (Sam) A.
Sir Patrick 1 - Copy

Sir Patrick W.

Bio:
Sir Patrick is an educator, entrepreneur, and streamer from North Carolina who lives with spinal muscular atrophy. He loves music, comics, and anime. He is going to back to school to earn his MBA.

 

Sir Patrick W.

Our Favorites

As mother-nature is bringing cooler temperatures, we bring you a whole new batch of MDA-Ambassador-approved products to check out. Consider them your personal shoppers, and check out their recommendations below. Your new “favorite thing” may be a click away!

Find the perfect item here to enhance the independence of someone you love, and maybe a little something for yourself as well!

Waterpik Toothbrush and Flosser

Recommended by: Sir Patrick W.

It’s easy to reach all your teeth with this small brush head; and water flossing is effective and beneficial for those who can’t manually floss with string.

Sheer Waterproof Shower Curtain

Recommended by: Sir Patrick W.

I can see through this curtain and it lets light in, but no one can see into it. I can maintain privacy but also easily see forgotten items outside of the tub.

Heavy Duty Adjustable Bed-Risers

Recommended by: Julie I.

Bed risers make it easier for me to transfer to and from my bed and wheelchair. It has a power and USB plug, is height adjustable, and can create storage space.

Melnor Relax Grip wand hose nozzle

Recommended by: Julie I.

This nozzle made outdoor tasks and gardening so much easier. It is easy to grip while I spray down my patio, clean off patio furniture, and water my flowers.

Instant cold packs

Recommended by: Dave D.

I love these because they stow easily in my backpack. I have difficulty regulating my body temperature, placing these on the back of my neck cools me down.

Cool Swag

Recommended by: Dave D.

I love this clothing line! The shirts are comfortable, the hats fit well, and the company is launching accessibility awareness designs soon.

Wheelchair Cup & Phone Holder

Recommended by: Emily S.

I love this cup holder because it also has a phone holder! I used to always lose my phone in my lap or purse pocket while using my wheelchair, not anymore!

Happy Planner Hourly Planner

Recommended by: Emily S.

Each week, I plan out my activities, chores, and personal tasks (like showers) that take energy. The hourly planner helps me spread out my energy for the week.

Inflatable Hair Washing Basin

Recommended by: August J.

I use this product whenever I travel because bringing my shower chair on vacation is difficult. This basin does the job to help me wash my hair on the go.

Veise Smart Lock

Recommended by: August J.

A life changer for people with limited dexterity to get in and out of their home independently. It can be unlocked using an app, a fingerprint, a fob, or a key.

Front Load Washer with Dispenser

Recommended by: Haley F.

With limited muscle strength, laundry is exhausting. The detergent dispenser on this washer lets me conserve energy by filling it once every couple of weeks.

Mo-Vis Hand Warmer

Recommended by: Haley F.

I attach this hand warmer near my power wheelchair controls for extra warmth for my driving hand when it’s cold outside.

KitchenAid Immersion Hand Blender

Recommended by: Leslie K.

I have difficulty chewing and swallowing foods and do best with foods like oatmeal, mashed potatoes, or hummus. This tool is great for blending!

Vitamix Blenders

Recommended by: Leslie K.

I have difficulty chewing and swallowing foods and do best with foods like oatmeal, mashed potatoes, or hummus. This tool is great for blending!

DoTerra Breathe Products

Recommended by: Leslie K.

My throat gets dry and itchy, and I sometimes have coughing fits. I rub a breathe vapor stick on my throat and use respiratory drops for instant relief.

MDA CORNER

Quest Magazine Subscription

Recommended by: Mindy H.

Stay up-to-date on the latest news, tools, and resources by signing up for a FREE subscription to Quest Magazine, and receive four issues a year.

Donate to MDA

Recommended by: Mindy H.

Give the ultimate gift and help MDA continue to send kids to summer camp, fund research and provide world-class care through our care centers across the country

Volunteer

Recommended by: Mindy H.

There are lots of volunteer opportunities with MDA! Volunteer at summer camp or other events, OR join our grassroots advocacy team to use your voice for change.