LGMD “Spotlight Interview”

LGMD Ambassador:  Girdie

Affliation:           LGMD Awareness Foundation, Inc.

ROLE:                    Advocacy Ambassador

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO FOLLOW A CAREER IN LIMB-GIRDLE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ADVOCACY?

As an LGMD LIMEmoji, I met a group of amazing, talented, funny, attractive folks. They caught my attention because they were all wearing lime green.  I found out that they all have one thing in common: they are all living with the rare neuromuscular disease Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD).  I discovered how they work together to connect the LGMD community to each other.  They unite LGMD families with people who work to develop treatments for LGMD. 

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AS A LGMD AWARENESS AMBASSADOR?

As the newest LGMD awareness ambassador, I will use my zesty personality to teach others about LGMD. I’ll mostly be involved in social media and educational outreach.  That means I will get to explore the world and spread LGMD awareness by encouraging them to check out www.lgmd-info.org to find facts about LGMD, available resources, and upcoming educational events.  

HOW WILL YOUR ADVOCACY EFFORTS HELP THOSE LIVING WITH LGMD?

By bringing my flavorful and fun-loving spirit on my global journey, I will spark an interest in LGMD awareness.  I will let them know that there is research being done to find a cure for many forms of LGMD and give them hope.  I will teach that awareness is power, and power brings cures, treatments, and changes policies.   I will demonstrate that together we are stronger.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OTHERS TO KNOW ABOUT THE LGMD AWARENESS CAMPAIGN?

Awareness can be done in many different ways and is totally fun! Not only do you meet people from all over the world, you plant seeds for them to grow in their understanding of LGMD.  Like limes, awareness grows from a seed, to a bud, to fully green super-fast!  It is very satisfying.  

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A LGMD AWARENESS AMBASSADOR?

Being Girdie, the LGMD Awareness Ambassador, has made my life as a LIMEmoji sweeter!  I am immensely proud to be part of the mission to bring empowerment to people who live with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy and those working toward a cure. Plus, I love having my picture taken with cool people.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE OF BEING “GIRDIE THE LIMEmoji” AND “GIRDIE THE LGMD AWARENESS AMBASSADOR”?

Seriously the biggest challenge is being camera ready for all of the selfies.

WHAT IS SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOU THAT OTHERS SHOULD KNOW?

Because my name is Girdie (get it? Girdle?) and the official color of LGMD Awareness is lime green, I felt compelled to be part of their advocacy efforts. I decided to take my natural lime identity beyond culinary pleasure and make a difference in the world. 

I can’t wait to share the places around the world I meet other LGMD Ambassadors!