Muscular Dystrophy Awareness at UC Davis
Sarah Macabales
Co- President
Fourth Year
Major: Exercise Biology, Psychology Minor
Hobbies: I love to swim. It always relaxes me and helps me think. I also really enjoy learning and watching TedTalks. Plus, I'm always up for a challenge and a good adventure!
MDA: I have been a summer camp counselor for the Muscular Dystrophy Association for two years and each year I come back inspired by every person involved with this organization. The children affected by muscular dystrophy and their families are some of the kindest and bravest people I have ever met. I hope that by starting this club we can do our part in the search to find a cure for this debilitating disease through public awareness, fundraising, and advocacy.
“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” Mahatma Gandhi.
Becky Alonzo
Co- Outreach Coordinator
Hello! My name is Becky Alonzo. I am a fourth year undergraduate at UC Davis. My hobbies and passions include soccer, running, listening to music, meeting new people and eating delicious sandwichesI was inspired to become involved with the MDA club by hearing about the brave people who have lived and continue to live with Muscular Dystrophy. I take great interest in the human movement and health, and so I am interested in learning more from people with Muscular Dystrophy who have not let their illness keep them from moving forward. I look forward to working with the MDA club in putting the awareness of Muscular Dystrophy in motion here on campus!
“El [individuo] puede cambiar todo: de cara, de casa, de familia, de novia, de religión, de dios… pero hay una cosa que no puede cambiar… no puede cambiar su pasión.” -"El Secreto de Sus Ojos" (2009)
Shivani Naidu
Historian
Third Year
Major: Biochemistry
Hobbies: I love dancing! Whether its classical, hip hop, or just for fun, but my heart lies with indian classical dance. I enjoy any water activity, especially jet skiing and kayaking. And traveling is fantastic! Living by just the contents of my suitcase excites me.
MDA: I heard about MDA through a friend and did a little research about MDA. I was absolutely intrigued and eager to get involved to help spread awareness for muscular dystryphy!
"Sing, dance, smile"
Jaijeet Toor (“JJ”)
Treasurer
Fourth Year
Major: Exercise Biology Major, Psychology Minor
Hobbies: Soccer, Basketball, watching television and movies, traveling, listening to music, dancing, and trying new things
MDA: A good friend of mine told me about the MDA summer camp and convinced me to get involved and become a counselor. As a counselor, I learned so much from the amazing kids there. After a day, I lost sight of the wheelchairs and disabilities and saw only kids having a good time and breaking out of their shells. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
"A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort."
Justin Nool
Co- Outreach Coordinator
Coming Soon
Naureen Ali
Web Manager
Third Year
Major: Bio-psychology
Hobbies: I love to eat, travel, and drink endless cups of chai lattes. I am also very fascinated with dancing- whether it's watching YouTube videos or participating in annual culture shows, dancing never fails to put a smile on my face.
MDA: I haven't had any personal experience with muscular dystrophy but I love that we now have a club on campus to spread awareness to others!
"Work hard in silence; let your success be your noise."
MEET THE OFFICERS
Alyssa Colby
Co- President
Third Year
Major: Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior
Hobbies: I love to travel, experiencing other cultures is so enriching and fascinating. I also love to ski, it's where I can have fun and clear my head.
MDA: I volunteered at MDA Summer Camp to learn how to work with people and kids with disabilities. Camp was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and inspired me to help start this awesome club!
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"
-Wayne Gretzky
Zayra Padilla
Publicity Coordinator
Fourth Year
Major: Psychology
Hobbies: I am a bilbiophobe, and I love nature. Hiking is the best way to clear one's head and appreciate the world. I love running, I just ran my first half marathon and hope to continue getting better at it :}
MDA: I got involved in the club after Sarah (the awesome president) told me about MDA and Muscular Dystrophy. After she convinced me to do the MDA summer Camp...there was no going back :}
"Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we should dance"
- Anon
Angel Guan
Fundraising Coordinator
Fourth Year
Major: NPB
Hobbies: Traveling around the globe and to the unknown, rocking out at concerts, watching movies, taking photographs, and listening to stories and experiences of the people that I meet.
MDA: I was a counselor at the MDA Summer Camp this past summer and it was one of the most inspiring and rewarding camp experiences that I have ever had. As a result, I want to do my part and contribute to educating others regarding muscular dystropy and to fundraise for the camp!
"I hope you live a life that you're proud of. If you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again."