MDA ALS CENTER OPENS IN MIAMI

The Kessenich Family MDA/ALS Center opened in March at the University of Miami School of Medicine under the direction of Dr. Walter G. Bradley. It's the 16th MDA center specifically devoted to ALS care and research and the first such center to be established in Florida.

The center is named for the family of MDA National Vice President Mark F. Kessenich Jr., a Palm Beach resident who received a diagnosis of ALS about four years ago and who still works actively trading government securities. Fund-raising initiatives undertaken by Kessenich and his family helped make the new center possible.

The center will pursue a multi-disciplinary approach to combating ALS through research and support for patients and their families throughout the course of the illness.

Bradley, a former MDA research grantee who has overseen the MDA clinic at the University of Miami since 1992, has participated in clinical trials of a number of potential therapeutic agents in the treatment of ALS.

For more information about the center, call Nadine Greenberg, MDA's local health care service coordinator, at (561) 627-5454.

BEAUTIFUL RELATIONSHIP: MDA AND COSMETOLOGISTS

The National Cosmetology Association (NCA), which includes hairdressers, makeup artists, skin care specialists, nail technicians, salon and school owners, and other beauty professionals, has decided to adopt MDA as its philanthropic cause during 1998. In particular, NCA will be dedicating National Cosmetology Month -- this April -- to helping MDA.

MDA National Youth Chairperson Mandy Van Benthuysen, 18, met with NCA members at their convention last year in her hometown of San Diego. She's delighted about NCA's current support of MDA.

"They're wonderful people," she says. "I know in April they're really going to do their best to help MDA, whether by selling heart mobiles, holding cut-a-thons or organizing other special events."

DESERT STORM GENERAL TARGETS NEW ENEMY

Ret. Lt. Gen. Robert B. Johnston, a distinguished and decorated 30-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran whose career included duty in Viet Nam, Somalia and a high-level role in Operation Desert Storm, has trained his sights on a new mission: helping to eradicate neuromuscular diseases.

Johnston will appear via a comprehensive public awareness campaign on behalf of MDA, including public service announcements on radio, television and in newspapers and magazines. The campaign will call the public's attention to MDA's battle to save lives, and will urge people to learn more by calling 1-800-FIGHTMD.

As U.S. Central Command's chief of staff during the Desert Shield and Desert Storm operations, Johnston frequently briefed media worldwide. Now he uses his leadership and communication skills by serving on MDA's Board of Directors and by making appearances as a public speaker on behalf of the Association.

MDA CREATES NATIONAL SPEAKER'S BUREAU

Need a nationally known speaker to regale your large group or event? Want to deliver a message to your organization's members or employees that will inspire, amuse, edify and enlighten?

MDA may have the answer you're looking for through its Speaker's Bureau of personalities who are skilled at speaking publicly on behalf of MDA.

Members of MDA's Speaker's Bureau include entertainment personalities such as Max Alexander, Jann Carl, Ed Fry, Cynthia Garrett, Maureen McGovern and Ed McMahon; scientists and medical experts such as Drs. Lawrence Stern and Donald Wood; top achievers such as Walter Anderson, Lois R. West and Ret. Marine Lt. Gen. Robert Johnston; and eloquent and accomplished individuals who have firsthand experience of neuromuscular diseases such as Jan Blaustone, Chris Rosa, Mandy Van Benthuysen, and Aubrey and Nick Olson, MDA's 1998 National Goodwill Ambassadors, and their families.

If you have a notable event coming up, call MDA Director of Public Affairs Jim Brown at (520) 529-5317 for information on MDA's Speaker's Bureau.

HOPPING GOOD FUN FOR THE VERY YOUNG

What can a very young child do to help in the fight against muscular dystrophy? Plenty. One way to help is by taking part in an MDA fund-raising event called a Hop-a-Thon.

MDA Hop-a-Thons are good, energetic fun, and kids are pleased to know that each hop brings MDA one little step closer to finding treatments and cures for the muscular dystrophies and related disorders.

Watch for Hop-a-Thons in your area this summer and fall. If you're interested in setting up a Hop-a-Thon at your school, pre-school or day-care center, just hop to it and contact your local MDA office today.