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!

Slip Rectangular Bathroom Mat

Recommended by: Julie I.

This is an inexpensive mat that helps prevent slips, falls, and injuries from occurring while transferring to and from the shower and my wheelchair.

SitnStand: Classic & Compact

Recommended by: Emily S.

These help me stand from sitting. I use the classic version on my couch and the compact version in my wheelchair and at restaurants. Get $50 off w/code: emily50…

Sharpie Pastel Highlighters

Recommended by: Emily S.

These work great with my hourly planner! I us them to time and the colors make me happy!

Satin Bonnet for Sleep

Recommended by: Julie I.

I wear a bonnet to bed to help keep my ventilator mask from damaging my hair. This satin bonnet is comfortable, adjustable, and helps prevent breakage.

Ram phone mounts

Recommended by: Dave D.

This phone mount for my wheelchair is the most durable, secure, and adjustable. It mounts to any wheelchair rail system and keeps your phone easily visible.

PopSockets for Cellphones

Recommended by: Julie I.

I can’t live without my PopSocket. It helps me hold my cell phone more securely, allowing me to use my right hand to scroll quickly without fear of dropping it.

Phone Stand

Recommended by: Samaher "Sam" A.

I use a this phone stand while eating dinner and watching Netflix, on my desk during video and phone calls, and in the kitchen for recipes and instructions.

Pen Stylus

Recommended by: Julie I.

Using a pen stylus has helped me tremendously with my finger dexterity. It helps me to easily utilize my cell phone with accuracy and ease.

Peermax Eye Drop Aid

Recommended by: Leslie K.

Squeezing a bottle of eye drops is challenging with my weak hand and finger muscles, this aid makes it easier.

Paro Dental Floss Holder

Recommended by: Leslie K.

I use this, in addition to a handheld electric water flosser and a handheld electric toothbrush, to help maintain good oral hygiene.

Oversized Risers

Recommended by: Emily S.

I have these risers on my couch. They fit the thick legs on my couch and ottoman to raise the height. They definitely make it easier to get up off my couch.

Organic Eyebright Herbal Tea

Recommended by: Leslie K.

I experience a variety of eye discomfort (itching, burning, blurring) and droopy eyelids, a characteristic trait for people with DM1. This OTC tea blend helps.

OOFOS shoes

Recommended by: Dave D.

I love the OOFOS recovery shoe line! They are lightweight, easy to take off and on, and make the limited amount of walking and transferring that I do much easie…

Multi-Function Kitchen Gadget

Recommended by: Haley F.

This multi-function can, jar, and bottle opener is one of my favorite kitchen tools. It’s simple, efficient, versatile, and requires minimal effort.

Motorized under desk exercise bike

Recommended by: Samaher "Sam" A.

This helps move my arms and legs for me. It’s a great way to get exercise and physical therapy at home, easy to use, and I can control the speed with a remote.

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.

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.

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