Christy Coenen, 29 Appleton, Wis. spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)

Christy Coenen earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and human development in 2002 from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, and followed it up with a Master of Arts in community counseling in May 2005 from Lakeland University in Sheboygan, Wis. Currently accumulating service hours toward her professional counselor certification, Coenen works as a family advocate for the Harbor House Domestic Abuse Program in Appleton. Committed to improving her community, she volunteers with Act Now, a statewide legislative network for people with disabilities. An MDA state goodwill ambassador for two years, Coenen dedicates time to the Association, attending clinic and helping raise awareness and funds at MDA events. She mentors those with new diagnoses and facilitates an MDA young adult support group. Coenen also has made several appearances on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon and, in 2008, was a guest speaker at an MDA Awareness Conference.

John Quinlan, M.D., 56 Lakeside Park, Ky. facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD)

Quinlan was appointed to the neurology faculty at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 1987, where he established himself as a clinician, teacher, mentor, administrator, counselor and scientific investigator. He earned the academic rank of professor of neurology in 2005. Quinlan is codirector of MDA's clinic at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Committed to improving his community, he has participated in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program and has been instrumental in the design and modification of new accessible administrative offices, teaching facilities and sites for patient care and clinical practice at the University of Cincinnati. Quinlan dedicates time to MDA, appearing on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, speaking at MDA support groups and serving on the local MDA Task Force on Public Awareness. He is an active member of the MDA National Clinical Services Advisory Committee, and an MDA national vice president. 

Cynthia Segroves, 39 Tucson, Ariz. facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD)

A certified travel associate and lifestyle specialist in accessible travel, Cyndi Segroves owns and operates her own Tucson travel agency, All Access Travel, which is designed to help people with disabilities explore the world. Segroves was nominated to Tucson's Commission on Disability Issues in 2007 and, in May 2008, was elected to chair the city's Commission on Disability Issues, where she serves on two subcommittees: Transportation; and Services, Programs and Activities. She also is a member of the Disaster Preparedness Task Force and serves as an adviser to the Pima County Association of Governments, Regional Transportation Para-transit Committee. Committed to improving her community, Segroves serves as treasurer on the board of directors for the Aurora Foundation, a group that encourages leadership in young girls and women with disabilities. In 2009, she began serving as an adviser to the Arizona Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG) to enhance opportunities for individuals with disabilities to secure and sustain competitive employment. Segroves dedicates time to helping MDA, attending clinic and support group, and helping raise awareness and funds at MDA events, including Stride & Rides and Lock-Ups. She also has volunteered at the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon and did a live interview on the 2007 local broadcast.

PAA State Recipients

Bryan Arnold, 18 Anchorage, Alaska Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)

Bryan Arnold currently is finishing up his senior year at Steller Secondary School, where he has served both as a member of an advisory group and also as treasurer of his sophomore class. He also takes a class in advertising, art and design at the King Career Center, and has been accepted at the University of Anchorage Alaska, where he plans to study advertising and marketing. Committed to spreading awareness about DMD, Arnold created an advocacy-driven film for which he has won a number of national and local awards, including the "Yes I Can" award from the National Council for Exceptional Children in 2009. He also dedicates time to MDA, attending clinic and MDA summer camp, and participating in programs and events, including Stride & Rides, Lock-Ups and the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.

Rachel Mauldin, 26 Fayetteville, Ark. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT)

A phlebotomist for the last seven years at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Rachel Mauldin works also as an emergency medical technician (EMT) at Central EMS and attends Northwest Arkansas College, where she is studying to become a paramedic. Committed to improving her community, Mauldin has volunteered as a camp counselor at her sister's camp for people with diabetes. Mauldin dedicates time to helping MDA, attending clinic and volunteering time at the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. She also has played a key role in securing the Fayetteville Fire Fighters as participants in MDA's Fill-the-Boot fundraising program.

Andrew Shelley, 30 San Diego, Calif. Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD)

Andres Shelley earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of San Diego in 2003, and found work shortly thereafter as a systems engineer for a military defense contractor. In 2007, he took a year off from work to seek adventure and travel the world. A documentary film, Beyond the Chair, captured his travels through remote destinations in Cambodia, India, New Zealand, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. Committed to improving his community, Shelley volunteers for What's Next, a teen mentoring program that helps disabled teens and young adults navigate successful college and career paths. He also set up a Web site for a local advocacy group, the Neuro Network. Shelley dedicates time to MDA, attending clinic and helping raise awareness and funds through activities and events, including MDA Stride & Rides.

Larry Pennington, 56 Windsor, Conn. facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD)

Larry Pennington has been the owner and full-time practicing veterinarian of the Windsor Animal Clinic since 1984. He is a past president of the Hartford County Veterinary Medical Association and was named the 2007 Connecticut Veterinarian of the Year. Committed to improving his community, Pennington started the first Veterinary Science 4-H Club in Connecticut 10 years ago. Thanks in large part to Pennington’s leadership, the club now has more than 60 active members and raises funds to provide assistance animals to people with multiple disabilities. Pennington dedicates time to MDA, attending clinic and helping to raise awareness and funds through such events and programs as MDA Lock-Ups and auctions. He also was the inspiration for a 2008 benefit for MDA called "Skate for Life," produced and directed by his son, figure skater Parker Pennington.

Nygel Lenz, 34 Clearwater, Fla. Friedreich's ataxia (FA)

Nygel Lenz earned a Bachelor of Arts in criminology in 1997 from the University of Florida, Gainesville, and a Master of Science in criminal justice in 2001 from Florida Metropolitan University in Clearwater. He works as an assessor, determining the needs of adolescents and providing treatment recommendations, for Operation PAR at the Pinellas County Juvenile Assessment Center in Clearwater. Committed to improving his community, Lenz serves as president for his local Friedreich's ataxia support group, and was a speaker at the National Ataxia Foundation's annual membership meetings from 2005 through 2008. Lenz dedicates time to helping MDA, attending clinic and helping raise awareness and funds at Association events, including Stride & Rides. He has volunteered at the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, and in 2008 was interviewed on the local broadcast.

Norma Margeson, 62 Marietta, Ga. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Having traveled the world, Norma Margeson sought to capture life's beauty through oil painting. Because of weakness in her arms, she used a special support, designed by her art teacher, to rest her arm while painting. Committed to improving her community and raising awareness and funds for ALS research, Margeson participated in several clinical trials and volunteered as a test subject in the development of interactive robots at the Center for Healthcare Robotics at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. She dedicated time to helping MDA, attending clinic, speaking at meetings, and participating in programs and events, including the Walk of Hope. Margeson also donated two original oil paintings to the MDA Art Collection, and three additional paintings to MDA's Night of Hope silent auction to raise money for research. She appeared for two consecutive years on the local broadcast of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.

James Cuizon, 31 Kaialua, Hawaii Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT)

James Cuizon earned a Bachelor of Arts in Justice Administration from Hawaii Pacific University in August 2006 and, since April of that year, has owned and managed his own action sports store, Crank and Carve, on the north shore of Oahu. Cuizon oversees all aspects of the business, including business operations, sales, marketing, buying, budgeting and staff. He serves as Security Committee chairman for the North Shore Chamber of Commerce, is a member of the Elk's Club Waikiki Chapter, and has worked with the city council and other government officials to promote the Banzai Rock skate park project. Cuizon also dedicates his time to helping MDA, attending clinic and helping raise awareness and funds at such events as the MDA Bowl-a-Thon and MDA Jamba BananaMan Chase.

Cliff Williams, 51 Nampa, Idaho amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Cliff Williams has been heavily involved with church since 1981, when he began serving as a youth pastor at Evangel Baptist Church in Port Orchard, Wash. He continued his service at various churches in Idaho and California, and also served as a county tax appraiser in Twin Falls, Idaho, and a service coordinator for Omega Service Coordination, also in Twin Falls. Williams started The Rock of the Christian and Missionary Alliance church in 2002, and is the senior pastor responsible for preaching, teaching, leadership training, outreach, counseling and community service projects. Dedicated to improving his community, Williams is the chaplain for the Nampa Fire Department and serves on the Downtown Nampa Event Planning Committee. With his church, he provides a Halloween outreach program to Nampa families, and volunteers at the annual Snake River Dayz parade. Williams dedicates time to MDA, attending clinic and helping raise awareness and funds for MDA programs and events.

Patrick Mascal, 57 Macedonia, Ill. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT)

A retired construction electrician, Patrick Mascal volunteers at a local radio station doing radio shows and making public service announcements for MDA's upcoming events. Mascal is committed to improving his community and dedicated to helping MDA, attending clinic and appearing at MDA summer camp as an activities specialist. He attends numerous MDA fundraising events, including Lock-Ups, where he serves as a greeter and table coach.

Eric Rasmussen, 44 Waterloo, Iowa limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD)

Eric Rasmussen earned an associate's degree in applied health in 1989 from Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He worked as a certified orthopedic physician's assistant for 15 years and then moved into orthopedic sales. Committed to improving his community, Rasmussen has been a member of the Optimist Club for seven years, led the yearly Christmas Tree Sales service project, served as a mentor in the Waterloo schools, and volunteered with Big Brothers/Big Sisters. He also works with the Boys Brigade and the Children's Ministry at Cedar Valley Community Church. Rasmussen dedicates time to helping MDA, attending clinic and helping raise awareness and funds for MDA summer camp and other events, including Lock-Ups and Stride & Rides.

Nicole Young, 35 Clarksville, Md. facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD)

A licensed travel agent, Nicole Young works at Young at Heart Travel, helping obtain accessible accommodations for elderly and disabled clients. Committed to improving her community, she serves on the Howard County Department of Health Adult Review Board, providing the "disabled perspective" on living issues and environments. She also sits on the Traffic Committee for the River Hill Board, has volunteered on political campaigns, and worked at the Center for Independent Living in Ann Arbor, Mich. Young dedicates time to MDA, attending clinic and helping raise awareness and funds for MDA programs and events, including Stride & Rides.

Gordon Sterling, 46 Norfolk, Mass. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)

Gordon Sterling earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering in June 1985 from Tufts University in Medford, Mass., and followed it up with a fellowship at the Center for Advanced Engineering Study at Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT)in Cambridge. He's worked since 2007 for Analog Devices, Inc., in Norwood, Mass. Committed to improving his community and raising awareness of issues in DMD, Sterling spoke in November 2008 at the Pediatric Neuromuscular DMD Family Roundtable at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Sterling dedicates time to helping MDA, attending clinic and participating in many programs and events. He also has appeared on the local broadcast of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.

Kathleen LeMieux, 38 Fruitport, Mich. spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)

With a degree in business management that included an emphasis on human resources, Kathleen LeMieux has dedicated herself to spreading a message of self-advocacy and inclusion. She serves as director of development for the MOKA Foundation, an organization that supports the mission of a nonprofit agency serving individuals with disabilities in Western Michigan. LeMieux also was named Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2008. Committed to improving her community, LeMieux has extensive experience advocating for others and dedicates time to helping MDA, attending clinic and volunteering at fundraising and other events such as Stride & Rides, the Black & Blue Ball and the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. She also has been profiled in MDA's Quest Magazine.

Robert Mingo, 47 Minnetonka, Minn. facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD)

Robert Mingo recently realized his lifelong dream of publishing a book of poetry. His book, Poetry for the Soul, on struggles and inspiration, can be purchased online through amazon.com and target.com. Committed to improving and inspiring his community, Mingo makes every outing a mission to encourage and teach others and serves as a “cyber greeter” for his church, The Sanctuary. Mingo also is passionate about helping MDA, attending clinic and fundraising events such as the Winter Wine Down and the Black & Blue Ball. He has been profiled in articles for MDA's Quest Magazine, and has appeared on the local broadcast of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon to recite some of his poetry and raise awareness and funds to help people with muscle diseases.

Gregory Smith, 45 Ocean Springs, Miss. Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD)

Greg Smith, known as "America's Strength Coach," is a motivational speaker who focuses on teaching people to build their inner strengths. He's the author of On a Roll: Reflections from America's Wheelchair Dude with the Winning Attitude, and subject of the PBS award-winning documentary film, On a Roll: Family, Disability and the American Dream. Smith also is the former host of the nationally syndicated radio show, "On a Roll: Talk Radio on Life & Disability." Committed to improving his community, Smith has produced disability awareness public service announcements that aired across the state of Mississippi and on the Internet. He fondly remembers attending MDA summer camp as a child and dedicates time to MDA, attending clinic and helping raise awareness and funds by participating in MDA programs and events.

Romanda Walker, 30 St. Louis, Mo. spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)

Romanda Walker earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology at the University of Missouri-Columbia and is nearing completion of her doctorate in bio informatics. She has received several awards for her involvement in helping people with disabilities, and recently was initiated into the Rollins National Honor Society at the University of Missouri for her service to the disability community on campus and in the surrounding areas. Walker also was named Ms. Wheelchair Missouri 2008 and was first runner-up at the National Ms. Wheelchair USA competition. Walker dedicates time to helping MDA, attending clinic and MDA summer camp, helping raise awareness and funds for programs and events, and serving as a role model and mentor to young people served by MDA.

Ben Greenfield, 30 Hickman, Neb. limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD)

Ben Greenfield works both as a clinical perfusionist (a health professional who operates the heart-lung machine during cardiac surgery) and clinical marketing coordinator at the Nebraska Heart Hospital in Lincoln. He also serves as an associate professor at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Greenfield is president of the Nebraska Perfusion Society, where he has been a member since February 2004. He also is a member of the American Society of Extracorporeal Technology, and is active in his church, where he serves as lead singer in the choir. Greenfield dedicates time to MDA, attending clinic and helping raise awareness and funds through MDA programs and events, including Lock-Ups.

Amanda Knightly, 19 Hudson, N.H. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT)

A sophomore at Colby-Sawyer College in New London, N.H., Amanda Knightly lives on her own and embraces the daily challenges she experiences as opportunities to teach others about living with a disability. Beginning in 2002, Knightly served two terms as New Hampshire's MDA state goodwill ambassador. She continues to dedicate time to MDA, attending clinic and helping raise awareness and funds for MDA programs and events such as the biannual fire fighter convention. Knightly also has made live and taped appearances on the local broadcast of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.

Micah Quintana, 26 Albuquerque, N.M. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT)

Having recently earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of New Mexico, Micah Quintana works as a registered nurse at Ambercare Home Health in Albuquerque. Her plans include teaching as a clinical instructor at Central New Mexico Community College this spring and earning a Master of Science degree in nursing. Quintana also dedicates time to MDA. She served as a local MDA goodwill ambassador when she was 10, and attended MDA summer camp for many years. For the last four years, she's served as an MDA summer camp nurse.

Gerald Maciuba, 61 Buffalo, N.Y. limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD)

Gerald Maciuba has owned and operated the Paperback Trading Post bookstore since the mid 1970s, where he and his wife, Rose, and a group of volunteers, assist in store operations. Maciuba has configured his workspace to allow him to conserve energy and operate the telephone and computer. Committed to improving his community, Maciuba invites area schools to conduct field trips to the bookstore and donates age-appropriate books to the children, as well as to area youth groups, hospital waiting rooms and senior citizens groups. Maciuba dedicates time to helping MDA, attending clinic and helping raise awareness and funds at the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.

Robert Paulson, 71 New York, N.Y. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

With a degree in nuclear engineering from Kansas State University and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Georgetown University, Robert Paulson practiced patent law in New York for more than 40 years. Though retired, he has maintained an active pro bono legal advisory role on a variety of subjects including wills, trusts and patent licensing negotiations, and has mentored a law student. In January, Paulson saw the publication of his memoir, Not in Kansas Anymore, which he wrote using a system that allows him to operate his computer with his eyes. In the book, available online at amazon.com and Target, he describes understanding and communication as the essence of life and the keys to living with ALS. Paulson also dedicates time to MDA, attending clinic and demonstrating the operation of his computer and computer eye-response system at fundraising benefits and other MDA events.

Jonathan Greeson, 27 Pikeville, N.C. spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)

Jonathan Greeson works as a budget analyst for Wayne County's office of North Carolina Cooperative Extension 4-H program. He is the founder and president of the North Carolina Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association (NCEWHA), and, in 2006, received the Goldsboro Mayor's Committee for Disabilities Employee of the Year award. Committed to improving his community, Greeson helped develop an inclusion/disability awareness kit to be used in 4-H meetings, after-school programs and daycares. He also is involved in the N.C. State Inclusive Committee to plan, develop and implement a disabilities curriculum for youth in grades kindergarten through 8. A former MDA goodwill ambassador for Wayne County, Greeson attends MDA clinic and participates in Association programs and events, including Lock-Ups. For a number of years, he has provided power hockey demonstrations at MDA summer camp.

Steve Marsh, 50 Massillon, Ohio Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT)

Steve Marsh earned a Bachelor of Arts in accounting in 1990 and currently is working to complete his MBA at Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio. He has worked as an accountant at Cargill Inc., in Akron, Ohio, for 27 years. Committed to improving his community, Marsh dedicated 18 years to coaching Little League Baseball, including seven years as a coach for the Challenger Baseball League. He has coached youth basketball for six years; served two years in an adult literacy program helping adults learn to read; volunteered and served as a Big Brother in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program for five years. Marsh dedicates time to helping MDA, attending clinic and helping raise awareness and funds at programs and events such as golf tournaments, Lock-Ups, Shamrocks Against Dystrophy, the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon and MDA support groups.

Roxie Mayfield, 51 Eugene, Ore. Dejerine-Sottas disease (DS)

With two master's degrees, one in rehabilitation counseling and the other in special education with a concentration in brain injuries, Roxie Mayfield worked for 22 years as a state rehabilitation counselor in both Arizona and California. Currently, she works as an advocate at the Lane Independent Living Alliance in Eugene, and is a research assistant for Portland State and Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) in Portland. Committed to improving her community, Mayfield is an active advocate for people who have disabilities and has volunteered for Survivability, a Lane County project that helps people in the community who have disabilities and who have experienced sexual assault, physical abuse or abuse by caregivers. Mayfield also dedicates time to MDA, attending clinic and helping raise awareness and funds for MDA programs. Her first job after high school graduation was working for MDA, assisting with preparations for the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.

Simon Cantos, 26 Lansdale, Pa. congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD)

Despite the challenges posed by CMD, Simon Cantos earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Villanova University in 2005 and, since December 2006, has worked as an engineer at Motorola in Horsham, Pa. Committed to improving his community, Cantos has made presentations at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to affected children and their families on transitioning into adulthood with CMD. He's mentored children on dealing with the disease and worked with doctors and other hospital staff to improve the experience of affected families. Cantos dedicates time to MDA, attending clinic and support groups, and speaking at MDA-sponsored events.

Dan Creger, 64 Gaffney, S.C. limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD)

Retired from the Michigan Employment Security Commission, Creger dedicates time to improving his community. He serves as treasurer and chair of the selection committee for the Cherokee County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity and works with prospective homeowners who have disabilities, helping them find homes that are accessible. He also serves as financial secretary for the local Knights of Columbus service organization and is active with the K of C Hope Foundation, which raises funds for Special Olympics and the local Disability and Special Needs Board. Creger dedicates time to MDA, attending clinic and participating in programs and events such as Lock-Ups and Shamrocks Against Dystrophy. He also has volunteered at the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, and was profiled in an article for MDA's Quest Magazine.

Daryl Thorson, 73 Brandon, S.D. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Daryl Thorson retired from East River Electric in 1998 and then worked as a registered land surveyor until retiring again due to the progression of ALS. Committed to improving his community, Thorson is active in his church. He has served in the Armed Forces, city government, and on church boards, service clubs and various professional organizations. Always willing to lend a helping hand on community projects, he has made trips to Washington, to meet with South Dakota legislators and advocate for ALS awareness. Thorson dedicates time to MDA, attending clinic and support groups. He has volunteered at, and appeared on, the local broadcast of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.

Beverly Kelley, 59 Old Hickory, Tenn. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

A woman of many careers, Beverly Kelley has worked as a secretary, a driver for DuPont and a purchasing agent. A licensed cosmetologist, she did makeup for theatrical companies and also did photoshoots for album covers. After returning to school, she became a certified meeting and event planner and opened her own business, Agility Event Planning, in 2006. She also worked part time for the Grand Ole Opry and currently is a member of the Old Hickory Chamber of Commerce. Kelley has traveled much of the world, and plans to continue traveling as long as possible.

James San Marco, 18 San Antonio, Texas limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD)

An ’09 graduate from Churchill High School in San Antonio, James San Marco lives with his parents, Greg and Patricia, and plans to begin college this fall. At school, San Marco was a member of the Churchill Speech & Debate Team, Model United Nations, Interact Club, Unity Club, and Churchill STAND: A Student Anti-Genocide Coalition. He also belonged to the Underclassmen, National, Spanish and French Honor societies. In 2005, San Marco attended EF Educational Tours in Italy, Greece and Turkey. In 2007, he was part of the People to People Leadership Summit on Law in Washington, and attended the National Student Leadership Conference/Intrax Study Abroad Conference on Leadership, Globalization & International Business in Geneva, Switzerland. In 2008, San Marco studied at the Universidad de Salamanca in Salamanca, Spain, as part of the LPI Study Abroad Student Exchange Program. Dedicated to helping MDA, San Marco is the founder and president of the SA for MDA Golf Tournament (www.saformda.com). With his parents, he filmed a video profile and appeared live on the local broadcast of the 2008 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.

Stephen Johnson, 67 Arlington, Wash. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Stephen Johnson served his community for more than 20 years as a fire fighter before retiring due to an injury. He also owned his own business, Frolicin' Adventures, which served as a boarding facility for dogs and produced champion rottweilers, and is an accomplished pilot who has flown his twin-engine aircraft all over the United States. Committed to helping those less fortunate, Johnson has served with his church on a number of missions throughout the world, helping build houses and schools, and bringing fresh water to communities in need. Johnson dedicates time to helping MDA, attending clinic and helping raise awareness and funds through programs and events, including Fill-the-Boot. He also has appeared on the local broadcast of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.

David Hood, 52 Ravenswood, W.V. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

David Hood learned he has ALS in February 2007, and although he's beginning to experience weakness in his hands, he remains active and continues to work as a controller at American Electric Power. Committed to improving his community, Hood has coached the boys' baseball and basketball teams at Ravenswood High School for more than 30 years. He recently was named a WSAZ Hometown Hero for his hard work in the community. Hood dedicates time to helping MDA, attending clinic and helping raise awareness and funds for events and programs, including MDA Stride & Rides.

Peggy Parsons, 54 Danville, Va. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT)

Having retired from the banking industry after more than 25 years due to limitations caused by CMT, Peggy Parsons has committed herself to community and civic affairs. She has been involved with the American Business Women's Association for 24 years, where she's served on every committee and the board of officers. Parsons also has served for two years as vice-queen and treasurer for the Dixie Chicks Red Hat Group, and is president and organizer of the Reservoir Heights Area Association/Neighborhood Watch Group. Parsons dedicates time to MDA, attending clinic and volunteering at events, including Lock-Ups, golf tournaments and the Harvest of Hope Gala. She has served as a local goodwill ambassador for the Shamrocks Against Dystrophy program and also has volunteered at the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.