WALTHAM ENGINEER RECEIVES
MDA NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

TUCSON, ARIZ., Aug. 31, 2003 — Nicholas A. Johnson of Waltham, Mass. has been named recipient of the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s 2004 National Personal Achievement Award.

The award is part of MDA’s program of recognizing the achievements and community involvement of people across the country that are affected by neuromuscular diseases. It’s scheduled to be announced during the national broadcast of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon on Labor Day weekend, Aug. 31-Sept. 1.

Johnson, 39, was chosen for the national honor from state recipients across the country.
Johnson is an associate and senior engineer with Bard, Rao + Athanas Consulting Engineers in Boston. A leader in the field of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning engineering, Johnson has 18 years of experience and has earned several prestigious engineering credentials: Registered Professional Mechanical Engineer, Certified Energy Manager and LEEDs engineer (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

Johnson is a member and officer of several professional organizations, and his involvement includes having served as president of the 1,000-member Boston Chapter of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers in 1999-2000.

He served as chairman of the Massachusetts State Energy Advisory Committee in 1996-2000. Under his leadership, the committee developed and implemented a new state energy code that’s since become a model adapted by many other states.

In addition to the intensity that drives his professional life, Johnson is known for his inspirational attitude and zest for living. He enthusiastically uses these abilities to motivate others, especially people like himself who are living with disabilities.

Johnson is also working to become a motivational speaker, and hopes to address corporate gatherings, advocates for people with disabilities, and philanthropic organizations.
Johnson and his wife, Susan, have been married since 2000.

“We’re especially gratified to honor Nick Johnson, who is a role model in every aspect of his life,” MDA President & CEO Robert Ross said. “He shows each day that when a positive attitude is coupled with determination, great results are produced.”

Johnson also is involved in several aspects of MDA.

Since 1998, he has been a member of the MDA National Task Force on Public Awareness, a voluntary advisory body of adults with neuromuscular diseases who are leaders in their communities. Johnson is an active participant in many fund-raising events for MDA and is credited with helping to raise more than $250,000 in the past decade.

Johnson can be counted on to speak in behalf of the Association at a variety of events, including appearances on local broadcasts of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. He’s also a mentor to several local young people who are affected by neuromuscular diseases, and he strives to set a positive example for what can be achieved despite disability.

At age 19, Johnson received a diagnosis of Friedreich’s ataxia, a degenerative disease of the peripheral nerves that causes a progressive lack of coordination and muscle weakness. Previously athletic, Johnson has seen his disease progress as he’s gone from using a cane, to using a walker, and now to using a wheelchair for mobility.

Each of MDA’s 150-plus chapters nationwide selected an achievement award recipient from among local nominees this year. Johnson received the award from MDA’s Central Massachusetts Chapter and was then chosen for the state award from among all local honorees in Massachusetts. He also received the state award in 1995.

He was one of four finalists for the national award. The other finalists are Denise DiNoto of Waterford, N.Y.; Jacob Gapko of Eau Claire, Wis.; and Therese Nadeau of Glastonbury, Conn.

MDA’s 2003 national award recipient is Amy Dunaway-Haney of Dayton, Ohio, a high school teacher and clinical counselor who has twice been recognized with national awards for her teaching.

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. MDA maintains a clinic for area adults and children affected by neuromuscular diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

The MDA Telethon will originate from CBS Television City in Hollywood and be carried by nearly 200 "Love Network" stations nationwide, including WCVB-TV, Channel 5, in Boston.