Honorees
Each year at the Black ‘n Blue Ball, MDA honors three individuals in the MDA family for their dedication to the cause and their determination to make a difference.
The Leon Poliachik Humanitarian Award recipient has demonstrated a strong dedication to serving those with muscular dystrophy. They go above and beyond their daily routines to serve those living with neuromuscular disease. Their dedication to the mission of MDA goes beyond their compassion and positive mindset, but also motivates them to “do something” with the resources they have. They strive to educate their community about the message of MDA. The recipient demonstrates a selfless use of time, compassion and a giving heart that is beyond compare.
The Leon Poliachik Humanitarian Award
The Leon Poliachik Humanitarian Award is given in memory of MDA’s dear friend, Leon Poliachik, who lost his battle with ALS. Leon lived a life of positive messages no matter what the challenge. Leon was a loving husband and father and enjoyed life to its fullest. He was, and is, an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of knowing him.The Leon Poliachik Humanitarian Award recipient has demonstrated a strong dedication to serving those with muscular dystrophy. They go above and beyond their daily routines to serve those living with neuromuscular disease. Their dedication to the mission of MDA goes beyond their compassion and positive mindset, but also motivates them to “do something” with the resources they have. They strive to educate their community about the message of MDA. The recipient demonstrates a selfless use of time, compassion and a giving heart that is beyond compare.
The MDA Spirit Award
The MDA Spirit Award recipient is someone who has been volunteering on a regular basis for many years. During this long-term commitment, this person has devoted themselves to the mission of MDA. They have brought outside resources in order to help further the mission of MDA. They have helped raised significant dollars for MDA programs and have made personal investments in the future of MDA. This person has worked to make a lasting impact in the lives of those living with neuromuscular disease. Outside of the services of MDA, this person goes above and beyond to provide support to MDA’s families. The recipient is a representation of the “spirit” of MDA. Their positive attitude, caring, thoughtfulness, and volunteerism to MDA sets them apart from the rest.The MDA Courage Award
The MDA Courage Award recipient is someone who MDA serves. Their positive mindset and relentless determination to defeat the disease not necessarily defines who they are, but enhances who they are becoming. This person does not sit back and accept the disease, but works hard to educate and spread the message of MDA. The recipient has an outstanding attitude, despite their disease, and embraces life to the very fullest. Their life is a true definition of courage.
The 2008 honorees are:
Leon Poliachik Humanitarian Award Recipients: RJ & Kate Banse
MDA Spirit Award Recipient: Prairie Island Indian Community
MDA Courage Award Recipient: Craig McClellan