Keisha Greaves Named MDA’s 2021 National Goodwill Ambassador

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has named Keisha Greaves, a fashion entrepreneur and neuromuscular disease advocate from Cambridge, Massachusetts, as its latest National Ambassador.

“I have been involved with MDA because muscular dystrophy is now a part of me,” Greaves said in an MDA press release.

“I feel like it is my job to bring awareness about this progressive muscle disease, what it means to live with it, and the daily struggles that go along with it. I want others to know that many of us live just like everyone else, but we may need certain accommodations,” said Greaves, who will serve a two-year term.

“I’m honored and excited to be selected as MDA’s 2021 National Ambassador,” she added.

Greaves will join the current MDA National Ambassador, Ethan LyBrand, an 11-year-old from Alabama who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

“My first year as ambassador has been amazing,” said LyBrand.

“I have enjoyed being in this role as it has given me the opportunity to share my story and raise awareness for MDA,” he said. “MDA is like a second family to me so being able to support MDA in this role has been incredible. Making people smile through this year has made my heart happy!”

Greaves, 35, was diagnosed with limb girdle muscular dystrophy in 2010. After her diagnosis, she sought support from others with the same disease. She has, since then, been an advocate for MDA, serving on committees and raising funds for several events aimed at increasing awareness of muscular dystrophies.

These events have included Fill the Boot with firefighter partners­, Muscle Walks, the MDA’s annual Black-N-Blue Ball, and Toast to Life benefits.

She’s also active through her social media platforms and presentations. Greaves is the founder and serves as the CEO of Girls Chronically Rock, a clothing brand aimed at inspiring and empowering people with disabilities.

“We are honored to welcome Keisha Greaves as our newest MDA National Ambassador and are grateful to have her share her incredible story of strength,” said Donald S. Wood, PhD, the president and CEO of MDA.

“Keisha is a dedicated advocate who has represented MDA with distinction as Massachusetts State Ambassador and as a champion of fundraising for research and advanced patient care for the neuromuscular disease community,” Wood said.

As National Ambassadors, Greaves and LyBrand will serve as the voices of people living with muscular dystrophies and share their experience with MDA’s partners, sponsors, and supporters via social media and live events, whenever possible. Their work is key to raising awareness and educating the general public concerning muscular dystrophies, according to the MDA.

They also improve the services available to patients and their families by motivating people to volunteer and donate to MDA, the nonprofit said.

“MDA Ambassadors play an integral role in furthering MDA’s mission of transforming the lives of people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases,” Wood said.

“To Keisha and all our ambassadors, I can’t say thank you enough for everything you do,” he added.

The MDA was started in 1950. Since its inception, it has committed more than $1 billion to accelerate the discovery of therapies and cures for muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular diseases.