ASU SOPHOMORE TO SERVE FOURTH TERM AS MDA YOUTH AMBASSADOR

TUCSON, Ariz., Dec. 30, 1999 -- For the fourth consecutive year, 19-year-old Amanda "Mandy" Van Benthuysen of San Diego will serve as national youth chairperson for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Mandy is a sophomore at Arizona State University in Tempe, majoring in broadcasting and planning a career as a television reporter. During 2000, she'll continue to fill the voluntary MDA position that's made her a nationally recognized youth leader and drawn widespread media coverage.

In announcing her selection for a fourth year as MDA's youth chairperson, MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis said, "Mandy's energy and wonderful spirit inspire everyone she meets. She's been a real star for our cause and a fantastic role model for all young people, including those with disabilities." Lewis attributes her success to her positive outlook and enthusiasm.

The daughter of Thom and Ginny Van Benthuysen of San Diego, Mandy has limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, a progressive neuromuscular condition that affects the muscles of the shoulders, lower trunk and upper legs. She uses a wheelchair or motorized scooter part time and also is affected by juvenile arthritis.

As MDA's youth chairperson since 1997, Mandy's role involves attending national conventions of youth groups that support the Association; speaking, writing and giving media interviews about volunteering and fund raising; and hosting a youth segment on the national broadcast of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.

Her travel schedule for next year includes the national career conference of DECA, an association of marketing students in April in Louisville, Ky.; the Kappa Alpha Order convention in August in Richmond, Va.; and the MDA Telethon on Labor Day weekend in Los Angeles.

Mandy says her experience as MDA's youth leader has allowed her to help others facing similar challenges from neuromuscular disorders, and has also helped her grow as a person.

"When I talk about myself to youth groups, it's to let those kids know that, just because I have muscular dystrophy, it doesn't mean I'm so different from them," she said.

Mandy, who has been volunteering for MDA since she was 8 years old, also emphasizes the importance and rewards of volunteering when she speaks to youth groups.

"You get a definite sense of self-worth when you help others," Mandy said "Volunteering is good for everyone and makes you a better person all around. If you can find an hour of your day - or even 15 minutes - to help others, you can give a very valuable gift."

In her first three years of service, Mandy has appeared on the cover of Parade magazine three times, the first time with Lewis. She was pictured twice in connection with National Youth Service Day, once with Gen. Colin Powell.

At ASU, Mandy is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and carries a full class schedule. Last summer she gained TV experience with a volunteer position at KUSI in San Diego. She's a graduate of Serra High School in San Diego.

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat 40 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far-reaching professional an public health education. In September 1999, MDA-funded researchers began safety trials of gene therapy in people with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, the disease that affects Mandy.

Recognized by the American Medical Association with a Lifetime Achievement Award "for significant and lasting contributions to the health and welfare of humanity," MDA maintains 230 hospital-affiliated clinics that offer families the best in care for progressive neuromuscular diseases. The Association's programs are funded almost entirely by individual contributors.

For more information, call (800) 572-1717 or check MDA's Web site at www.mda.org.

Editor's Note: Read Mandy's bio.