SOUTH CAROLINA TEEN TO ASSUME NEW NATIONAL MDA SPOKESPERSON ROLE

TUCSON, Ariz., Nov. 21, 2008 — Popular MDA spokesperson Luke Christie will take on a different ambassadorial role for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in the coming year.

Christie, 15, has been selected to serve as MDA’s National Youth Chairman. He was the 2006 and 2007 MDA National Goodwill Ambassador and 2008 Harley-Davidson MDA Goodwill Ambassador.

The role has been held by country music artist Billy Gilman, 20, since 2002. He will also move into a new role in 2009, as an MDA celebrity ambassador.

"I'm deeply honored that this wonderful young man will continue his commitment to bring an end to muscular dystrophy," MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis said. "Our MDA families love Luke, and I know they'll cheer him on in his new role."

The exuberant Christie of Due West, S.C., stays busy as a high school student, Star-ranked Boy Scout, and an active member of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and the Three Dot Dash global initiative for promoting peace. He has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a progressive disease that causes weakness in the arms, legs and torso, and uses a power wheelchair for mobility.

Christie will focus on MDA youth sponsors such as DECA (an association of marketing students) and Kappa Alpha Order; he also will continue to work with Harley-Davidson Motor Company, an MDA national corporate sponsor.

MDA is a voluntary health agency supporting programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, advocacy, and professional and public health education for muscular dystrophy and related diseases. The Association’s programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors.