Jori Reijonen, 44
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
Richland, Mich.

Jori Reijonen learned in 2009 that she has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a disease of the peripheral nerves that causes muscle weakness and lack of sensation, primarily in the hands and feet. She walks with the help of orthotic braces. Reijonen, who holds a doctorate in clinical psychology, decided to learn everything she could about her disease. By 2010, she was named "neuromuscular diseases editor" of BellaOnline, a website for women. Shortly after receiving her diagnosis, she started a support group for others with CMT. Reijonen currently works from home teaching online courses in psychology for the University of Phoenix.

Michelle Williams, 37
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
Jackson, Miss.     

Michelle Williams worked 10 years as a medical technologist for health care institutions in Mississippi and Louisiana before her disease made it impossible for her to continue. In addition to helping her husband care for their four children — three of whom have the same disease she does — Williams shifted her energies to community service and helping others with neuromuscular diseases. In addition to being very active in her church, where she is president of the Married Couples Ministry and a member of the choir, Williams is a strong supporter of MDA’s fundraising and services programs. She involves her children’s schools in fundraising efforts and appears on MDA's Labor Day show to help spread awareness of MDA’s dual missions of help and hope.

Leanne Beers, 37
Dejerine-Sottas disease
Missoula, Mont.

Leanne Beers has Dejerine-Sottas disease (DS), which causes muscle weakness and atrophy in the lower legs, forearms, feet and hands, as well as reduced muscle tone and loss of sensation in the extremities. She uses a power wheelchair for mobility. Beers — who in 2007 earned a master's degree in public relations in health communications from Montana State University in Billings — has two children, one of whom also has DS. Beers is an independent consultant who, among other things, facilitates support groups for people with brain injuries and assists individuals in accessing state and federal assistance programs. In addition, she is a service dog trainer and board member for Karosel Service Dogs (she has two service dogs herself), and educates the community about laws regarding service animals. Beers serves on the board of directors of Summit for Independent Living, and volunteers with the North America Riding for the Handicap Association. She is very active with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, participating in fundraising and public relations activities, and offering support for individuals and families.

Frank Harris, 60
Myasthenia gravis
Las Vegas, Nev.

Although Frank Harris learned he has myasthenia gravis (MG) only two years ago, he is no stranger to muscle disease, having lost both a son and a step-son to Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Owner of a Las Vegas construction company, Harris built the local MDA Telethon set more than 15 years ago and each year at Telethon time supervises its assembly. With his workplace just minutes from the local MDA field office, he happily volunteers his services whenever they are needed. MG causes weakness in the muscles of the face, neck and jaw; and later in arm and leg muscles.