Oxon Hill Man Selected For MDA National Advisory Group

Main Category: Muscular Dystrophy / ALS
Article Date: 22 Jun 2009 - 3:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   opinions  

L. Vance Taylor of Oxon Hill, Md., has been selected to join the Muscular Dystrophy Association's National Task Force on Public Awareness for 2009.

As a member of the Task Force, Taylor, 31 joins an advisory body composed of adults from across the country who serve as volunteer consultants to MDA, addressing issues of importance to people with neuromuscular diseases. Task Force members, all of whom are people served by MDA, are leaders in their communities and achievers in fields such as education, communication, law and business.

"We're delighted and proud that Vance Taylor has agreed to assist MDA by bringing his knowledge and unique perspectives to the National Task Force," MDA President & CEO Gerald C. Weinberg 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."

Taylor is a principal in the Washington, D.C., government affairs and public relations firm Catalyst Partners, LLC. He frequently meets with members of Congress as part of MDA's National Advocacy Office efforts in the Capitol, addressing legislation that impacts people with neuromuscular diseases. Every year he visits the MDA summer camp in Maryland for children served by MDA, where he speaks to youngsters about the value of college, work, family and independent living.

Taylor also volunteers at many MDA research and fundraising events. In 2008 he was co-emcee of the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon regional broadcast from Washington. In 2007 he received MDA's Robert Ross Personal Achievement Award for the District of Columbia. The national awards program recognizes the accomplishments and community service of people with neuromuscular diseases.

Taylor is affected by limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, a progressive disease that causes weakness and atrophy, starting in the muscles of the shoulder and pelvic area. He uses a power wheelchair for mobility.

MDA's Task Force on Public Awareness was created in 1992 to promote the goals and programs of the Association and to provide MDA with feedback about the needs of those it 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.

MDA is a voluntary health agency supporting programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, advocacy and professional and public health education for muscular dystrophy and related diseases.

The Association's programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors.

Source
Muscular Dystrophy Association

• Additional
• References
• Citations