Expanding the voice of our MDA Community
MDA's H1N1 Update

It's no secret that more than one kind of flu virus is spreading through our communities — seasonal influenza and the H1N1 flu. Because individuals affected by neuromuscular disease are at increased risk of serious and possibly devastating complications from H1N1, it's important that we stay informed, and take steps to protect ourselves and our families.

Read the full article

Left border
Rare Disease Clinical Research Network Expansion

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced a $117 million expansion of its Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network, adding 14 research groups to the Network's second phase and will continue funding the five original groups.

Read the full article

Left border
MDA Champion:
Meet Vance Taylor
Vance Taylor
Vance Taylor

For Vance Taylor, the key to being an effective advocate is not only having a “voice,” but using one's voice to articulate thoughts, concerns, priorities and ideas to federal decision-makers. “Taking action” and speaking with members of Congress about issues of importance to the MDA community ensures success, as progress in MDA's legislative efforts translates into success for people affected by muscle diseases and their families. If elected officials aren’t aware of what matters to the MDA community, they can't represent effectively.

Read the full article

Left border
 
November 2009
Right border
MDA's Road Map to Independence
“Road Map to Independence” is a guide to becoming your own advocate and living independently with neuromuscular disease!
Read the full article
Right border
NIH Questionnaire Seeks Your Opinion

A new National Institutes of Health (NIH) questionnaire seeks your input to improve the agency's information services.
Read the full article

Right border
Notebook
Right border
Voice Box
“You start explaining to members of Congress that there are thousands of people within their districts — their constituents — that rely on these services. When you look at it from that perspective, it is not one person trying to achieve, it is a whole family, a national team, pushing you to be successful in life.”
— L. Vance Taylor, 32, is a principal with the Washington, D.C., government affairs and business development firm Catalyst Partners LLC, and member of MDA's National Task Force on Public Awareness.
Right border
Sign up for our e-alerts now.

Questions, comments or items for future issues? E-mail us at advocacy@mdausa.org.
Footer