NEW VIDEOS HIGHLIGHT
MDA SUPPORT GROUPS

TUCSON, Ariz., May 13, 2003 — As part of its May commemoration of ALS Awareness Month, the Muscular Dystrophy Association is releasing three new videos highlighting its support group program.

The videos are available for loan through local MDA offices nationwide. Two of them were designed exclusively for groups coping with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease).

MDA offers more than 200 support groups across the country for people affected by neuromuscular diseases, their families and caregivers. Topics covered at group gatherings range from general to specific, such as a particular disease like ALS, and vary according to local interest or demand. MDA support groups are facilitated by experienced professionals, and often feature guest speakers such as experts in health care or assistive equipment.

The new videos, produced by MDA’s Television Production Division, give insight to newcomers about MDA support groups, as well as provide guidance to new and existing groups.

The first of the 15-minute tapes, “The MDA Support Group and You,” is for families that have just received a diagnosis of a neuromuscular disease, but haven’t yet attended a meeting. This video is intended to dispel doubts and highlight benefits of attending support groups.

The second video, “Your MDA/ALS Support Group: Getting Started,” is intended for use at an inaugural meeting of an ALS group. The third video, “ALS: Maintaining a Positive Perspective,” is aimed toward existing ALS support groups.

Steven and Jennifer Bishop, a Denver couple who are co-chairpersons of MDA’s ALS Division, cite support groups as a major help in coping with Steven’s ALS.

“The greatest thing about support groups is that you’re there with people who are going through your exact situation, and you get to see and learn from how they are dealing with it,” Jennifer Bishop said.

Each video features the Bishops and guest narrator, MDA National Vice President Tony Orlando.

For more information about how you can view any of these practical and informative videos, check with your local MDA office.

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far-reaching professional and public health education.