TUCSON, Ariz. — Luke Christie, a Due West, S.C., native has been named to a fourth term as the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s National Youth Chairman.

Christie’s role with the Association continues to grow and has an emphasis on leading thousands of teenagers and young adults in learning about MDA’s lifesaving mission through his work and appearances with MDA national sponsors DECA (an association of marketing students), Kappa Alpha Order and The National Beta Club.

“I’m always grateful for the opportunity to share MDA’s story with teens and young adults,” said Christie, 18. “Through my experience in living with a muscle disease, I feel that I can have an impact on my generation; I’m always approached by students wanting to know how to help."

Christie, a freshman at Furman University in Greenville, S.C., is affected by spinal muscular atrophy, a progressive neuromuscular disease that causes muscle weakness and atrophy. He relies on a power wheelchair for mobility. While at Furman, he is pursuing a degree in the communications field.

“Through the years, Luke has been a strong and steady influence as MDA’s National Youth Chairman,’’ said Valerie Cwik, M.D., MDA's interim president and medical director. “He’s made a courageous transition from high school to college and continues to reach out and have an impact on young adults. MDA is fortunate to have such a charismatic and inspiring spokesman.”

In his role, he will continue to be active with MDA’s youth sponsors, appearing and speaking at their annual conferences and meetings. He is also a member awaiting initiation of the Iota Chapter of Kappa Alpha at Furman.

In 2008, he was the MDA Harley-Davidson Goodwill Ambassador, and he served as MDA National Goodwill Ambassador in 2006 and 2007.

About MDA

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive healthcare and support services, advocacy and education.

For more information, visit mda.org and follow MDA on Facebook (facebook.com/MDANational) and Twitter (@MDAnews).