Vancouver, BC – February 11, 2010 – Muscular Dystrophy Canada Ambassador Keith Martin will take to the road - again! Keith will carry the Olympic Torch along East 1st Street Avenue from Salsbury Drive to Semlin Drive in Vancouver on Friday, February 12 at 10:00 AM PST.

Keith was diagnosed with Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy (FSHD) in October 2005. FSHD is an autosomal dominant disorder that affects the skeletal muscles.  FSHD occurs in the Canadian population at an estimated frequency of about one in twenty thousand.

Keith gained national recognition when he and four friends – The Flying Five – participated in the Moving Muscles Ride 2008. They cycled across the country raising $150,000 along the way through a letter campaign.

Currently in the process of completing a Bachelor of Applied Science at the University of British Columbia, Keith is proud to be a part of the Torch Relay.
“I am a huge fan of the Olympics! I think it's amazing how the world comes together to celebrate the competing athletes and their achievements. The passion and pride is incredible,” Keith wrote in an email.  

“Being in Vancouver for these Olympics is that much more special. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Keith Martin along with Danielle Campo, Russ Howards and Danielle Peers, who carried the Olympic Torch in January in Edmonton, are Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s National Ambassadors.

Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s mission is to enhance the lives of those affected with neuromuscular disorders by continually working to provide ongoing support and resources while relentlessly searching for a cure through well-funded research.

Abnormal Music Therapy is the debut CD from Canadian Rapper Abnormal.

Toronto, ON– Rob embraced music when his physical disability took him off of the baseball field.

Fifteen years after a Becker muscular dystrophy diagnosis, Rob has launched his first CD entitled ‘Music Therapy.’ The seven-song disc takes us through Rob’s experiences living with muscular dystrophy. 

 “I was diagnosed with Becker Muscular Dystrophy at the age of 10. At that young age I didn't quite understand what it meant to have a disease,” explains Rob. “As I grew up, I noticed a lot of differences between me and other kids. I walked with a limp; I couldn't run and was unable to go up stairs.”

Inspired by hip hop greats Biggie, Tupac and Jay-Z, Rob says creating the hip hop disc was his therapy.

“I've been different my whole life…I got teased a lot and that’s what turned me to rap music.” Putting the CD together “helped me to relieve my stress,” explained Rob in a telephone interview.

To help others with muscular dystrophy, Rob is donating a dollar from the sale of each disc to Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

When he’s not working on his music, Rob gets back to his love of baseball by watching on TV or taking in a game at the Rogers Centre.

Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is an inherited degenerative muscle disease. It is a milder and less progressive variation of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Both disorders are caused by a mutation of the dystrophin gene which causes a deficiency of the protein dystrophin.

To purchase a copy of Rob’s CD visit abnormalmuzik.com or stop by Doce Minho Bakery in Bradford, Ontario.

David Mellor, President of Stokes International, dropped by Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s national office in Toronto on November 12, 2009 with a cheque for $9531.66!

 "This is an opportunity for Stokes to help support and give back and we are pleased to be partnered with Muscular Dystrophy Canada, a truly worthy cause,” David said about the cheque presentation to Kevin Harrison, National Director of Corporate Giving and Catherine Sherrard, Chief Executive Officer of Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

The donation was made on behalf of Stokes International’s customers and employees and is part of a new program initiated to help celebrate Stokes International’s 60th year in business.

“We look forward to continuing to support Muscular Dystrophy Canada for many years to come," David said about his company’s new program and partnership.

Stokes International manufactures and sells top-of- the-line uniforms, equipment, supplies and regalia.

Our very own Kevin Harrison has been nominated for Cisco’s 25 Transformational Canadians featured In the Globe and Mail and La Presse Affaires! To mark Cisco's 25th anniversary, Cisco Canada has launched this exciting national campaign to celebrate 25 individuals who, through their vision, leadership and action, are catalysts for transformational change. 

In recognition of the 25 Transformational Canadians' efforts, Cisco will donate up to $25,000 worth of technology to the non-profit or charitable organization of each winner's choice PLUS ALL FREE PUBLICITY!.

With the 25 Transformational Canadians launch, online and in print, Kevin's nomination page is up and running and we need you to help drive his nomination. Here’s how you can help:

1. Click on the links below to read Kevin’s story in the Globe and Mail.
   http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/25/the-nominees/kevin-harrison-muscular-dystrophy-activist/article1705660/
2. Once you’ve read Kevin’s story, you can extend the reach to as broad a network as possible to drive awareness of and support for his nomination. This can be done two ways:

• Through the "Share with Friends" or "Recommend" tabs
• Through the "Start the conversation" section at the bottom
• If you have worked directly with Kevin offer a few thoughts in the comments area!

Developed in partnerships with the Globe and Mail, CTV's Canada AM, and La Presse Affaires, 25 Transformational Canadians will recognize 25 individuals who have significantly impacted society in the areas of business, science and technology, healthcare, environment, education and community through user generated submissions.

The Transformational Canadians program details can be found at www.twentyfive.ca.  Program ends on January 3, 2011.

Congratulations Kevin!