{NAME}, Meet Billy

You can be a light of hope and a force for change. [You can be a light of hope and a force for change]( [MDA - Muscular Dystrophy Association]( [Donate Now]( [Billy’s Story/The Power of Advocacy]( Dear {NAME}, Ten years ago, if you were looking for Billy Zureikat, you would find him on the basketball court. That all changed when years of symptoms, and eventually a diagnosis in 2021 of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) at age 38, began to impact his ability to play. Deteriorating muscles and increased falls forced Billy off the court and into the uncharted territory of living with a physical disability. But as anyone who has met Billy can tell you – when he falls down, he gets back up again. As his symptoms progressed, Billy channeled his energy into cooking. He realized that his passion for food and his neuromuscular disease diagnosis created a unique opportunity not only to share his story but also to advocate for others with disabilities, raise money for neuromuscular disease, and make a difference in the world. He’s developed a pizza he called “The Tripping Billy” that’s been featured in 14 pizzerias in his hometown of Chicago. [In the past two years alone, Billy’s done more than 40 food and drink collaborations.]( [Image of Billy.] “I essentially want to become the voice of the voiceless. A lot of people with rare diseases don’t really have a platform or don’t feel comfortable talking about their disease. I have both of those, and I want to become that voice that people can rely on to give them that extra strength when they need it,” Billy says. Billy's story exemplifies the power of advocacy to overcome challenges. At the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), we advocate for policies that promote autonomy, end workplace discrimination, and ensure accessible healthcare for those living with neuromuscular diseases. We work to increase access to genetic medicine, assistive devices, telehealth, and more, while also advocating for improved air travel and employment opportunities for people living with disabilities. [Your gift today]( will help us continue the vital work of empowering people like Billy, who are determined to break the stereotypes surrounding disabilities and create positive change. Donate now and be a light of hope for children and adults on this complex journey. [I'll Help]( Thank you for being a light of hope and a force for change. Paul Melmeyer, MPP Vice President, Public Policy and Advocacy Muscular Dystrophy Association [I'll Give Today]( [Forward this email to a friend!]( [MDA - Muscular Dystrophy Association]( [Donate Now]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [YouTube]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn]( [BBB logo]( © 2023 Muscular Dystrophy Association All rights reserved. Muscular Dystrophy Association, Inc. 1016 W Jackson Blvd #1073 Chicago, IL 60607, US | 1-800-572-1717 [Unsubscribe]( | [State Fundraising Notice]( The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. [View Online]( | [Privacy Policy](