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Muscular Dystrophy Association's 12th Annual Passport to a Cure Gala Honors MDA Advocate Jax Cowles and MDA Scholarship Recipient Serena Desiderio on December 6th at 6pm in Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale, AZ, November 6, 2024 – The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) will hold the 12th annual MDA Passport to a Cure Gala on December 6th from 6-11pm at the Westin Kierland Resort, in Scottsdale, Arizona. The event will honor MDA Advocate Jax Cowles, a project manager in luxury, who lives with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Jax has advocated with MDA to provide resources and a voice for those within the disabled community. MDA Scholarship recipient, Serena Desiderio, a student at University of Arizona who lives with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD), will be the mission speaker at the event attended by hundreds of supporters. April Warnecke, Good Morning Arizona, Meteorologist, and longtime supporter and advocate for MDA, will emcee the event featuring a ‘Denim & Diamonds’ theme. To sponsor, purchase tickets, or donate, click here.
About MDA Honoree Jax Cowles
MDA advocate Jax Cowles was diagnosed at just 18 months old with SMA, a genetic neuromuscular disorder that causes progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. From a young age, Jax and her family have been part of the MDA community, participating in fundraisers and events, as well as speaking at MDA Summer Camp to help prepare graduating campers as they embark on their next chapter. The support from MDA includes groundbreaking research that has led to breakthroughs in treatments in SMA.
Jax shared, “I am proud to be honored by the Muscular Dystrophy Association at the annual MDA Passport to Cure Gala. MDA has always been a place where not only you can reach out to for support but also a place where you can make true connections to help guide you through life’s challenges.”
Jax's personal and professional achievements have demonstrated her determination and resilience. Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, she has worked in entertainment, sports, and luxury where she continues to advocate with MDA by sharing her story and encouraging others to be the writer of theirs.
“We all have things that we can and can’t do,” Jax says, “but what we all can do is be the writer of our own story. Through that story we can always find a way”.
About MDA Mission Speaker Serena Desiderio
Serena Desiderio is one of 10 MDA College Scholarship recipients in the inaugural program sponsored by event supporter Certinia. Serena is a senior at the University of Arizona studying Physiology and Medical Sciences. Sharing her story living with LGMD has helped her inspire others facing similar challenges.
“Knowing that MDA is always there for me, helping me to stay connected and supported, is something I’m incredibly grateful for. They’ve shown me that I’m never alone, and I know that no matter what the future holds, they’ll be alongside me,” shared Serena.
Bringing the Community Together to Make a Difference
April Warnecke emphasized the importance of community in supporting the mission: “The Muscular Dystrophy Association family shows the strength of what we can accomplish when we come together. Being part of this journey and supporting families like Jax’s and Serena’s is incredibly powerful, and I am honored to be part of a community that brings hope and makes such a meaningful impact.”
Since the inception of MDA, the organization has invested more than $1 billion in research, in addition to funding over 150 MDA Care Centers nationwide, producing educational and recreational programs and support resources for families. MDA also advocates for access to treatments, employment, education, travel and more. Locally, MDA funds the multidisciplinary medical teams at the Gregory W. Fulton ALS and Neuromuscular Disease Center, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and Banner University Medical Center. Funds raised also support MDA Summer Camp where children and young adults have a week-long transformative experience – at no cost to families.
“We are excited to unite the community for the annual Passport to a Cure Gala in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s mission,” said David Twigger, a member of the MDA Passport to a Cure Gala Committee. “We look forward to another rewarding evening dedicated to supporting families in our community living with muscle diseases.” MDA is hoping to raise more than $360,000 at this year's gala.
Gala Sponsors
This year’s MDA Passport to a Cure Gala Presenting Sponsor is Certinia. The Platinum Sponsors include Cigna and Enterprise Holdings Foundation. The partnership of these companies represents years of support and dedication to the families served by MDA.
Press inquiries, contact press@mdausa.org.
About Muscular Dystrophy Association
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is the #1 voluntary health organization in the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 related neuromuscular conditions. For nearly 75 years, MDA has led the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating for the support of our families. MDA's mission is to empower the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives. To learn more visit mda.org and follow MDA on Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
