WASHINGTON ATTORNEY JOINS
MDA NATIONAL ADVISORY GROUP

TUCSON, Ariz., Feb. 6, 2003 – Mario Damiani of Washington, D.C., has been selected to join the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s National Task Force on Public Awareness for 2003.

Damiani, 25, joins 11 other members of the Task Force, an advisory body composed of adults from across the country who serve as volunteer consultants to MDA, particularly on issues of interest to people with disabilities. Task Force members, all of whom are affected by neuromuscular diseases in MDA’s program, are leaders in their communities and achievers in fields such as education, communication, law and business.

Damiani, a member of the Maryland Bar Association, is a law clerk for the Office of Bar Counsel, an organization affiliated with the District of Columbia Bar Association. He’s also preparing his application for admission to the District of Columbia Bar Association.

Damiani has served as a law clerk and intern in a variety of legal offices, both private and public, since June 1999, including a stint with the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.

“We’re delighted and proud that Mario Damiani has agreed to assist MDA by bringing his knowledge and perspective to the National Task Force,” MDA President & CEO Robert Ross said. “His experience as an effective advocate for people with disabilities, coupled with his long-standing dedication to MDA, will make him a valuable addition to this important MDA leadership group.”

A 2001 graduate of the Columbus School of Law at Catholic University of America in Washington, Damiani completed both undergraduate studies and law school under an accelerated, six-year program — earning both summa cum laude honors and election to Phi Beta Kappa.

While attending Catholic University, Damiani was instrumental in improving the accessibility of the campus for students with disabilities. In high school, he was active with school drama, served as manager of sports activities, and participated in the Model United Nations program.

Damiani and his family are involved with many aspects of MDA as volunteers. He’s a member of the Greater Washington Chapter’s Executive Committee, and was selected to receive the District of Columbia MDA Personal Achievement Award for 2002.

In 1981, Damiani received a diagnosis of Becker muscular dystrophy, a progressive disease that causes generalized weakness and muscle wasting, initially affecting limb and trunk muscles. He is ambulatory and uses a motorized scooter for longer distances.

MDA’s Task Force on Public Awareness was organized to promote MDA’s goals and programs, and to provide feedback relating to the needs of those the Association serves. The national group and its local counterparts advise the Association on matters of importance to people with disabilities such as medical care, insurance, independent living, personal assistance services and pertinent legislation.