About Us
The OPMD Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to raising awareness of Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic, rare, neuromuscular disease. We support the OPMD Community which includes OPMD patients, their families and caregivers by educating the public and governmental officials and by sharing information, studies, resources and potential treatment options. We pursue partnerships with nonprofit organizations, clinicians, researchers and medical communities at the local, state, national and international levels. We work to promote and help secure funding for research, treatments and eventual cures for OPMD through partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and by exploring and securing research grants and donations.
Mission Statement
The mission of the OPMD Association is to advocate for and serve people affected with Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy (OPMD) by providing education, resources and programs and by creating partnerships with research institutions and corporations in order to discover treatments and a cure for OPMD.
Goals
The goals of the OPMD Association are multifaceted:
Advocate for the OPMD Community (OPMD patients, family members, caregivers, clinicians, researchers)
- Raise awareness of OPMD (website, social media posts, newsletters and events)
- Provide a source of information (studies, resources, treatment options, etc.)
- Educate the clinical community, government officials and the public
Partner with local, state, national and international nonprofit organizations and medical communities
- Share information and best practices
Partner and support clinics and research organizations which include:
- Local, state, national and international physicians and research institutions
- U.S. and international Muscular Dystrophy clinics
- OPMD National Registries – University of New Mexico Department of Neurology
Promote and help secure funding for research, treatments and eventual cures
- Partner with pharmaceutical companies and research institutions
- Explore and secure research grants and donations
OPMD Association / Board of Directors
The OPMD Association is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who are passionate about the OPMD’s Mission and our service to the OPMD Community. Their expertise is vital to the growth and success of this OPMD nonprofit.
Michele O. Mulholland,
OPMD Association Founder, CEO
Michele is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. She has worked in business and healthcare for most of her career. Michele previously worked as the Director of the 3to1 Foundation, a financial literacy and educational nonprofit. Michele’s interest in OPMD stems from a family history of OPMD and her background in nonprofit management and business.
As the Founder of the OPMD Association, Michele’s goal is to create awareness of OPMD, to provide support for the OPMD Community and to partner with OPMD clinicians, researchers and pharmaceutical companies to search for OPMD therapies and a cure. In her spare time, Michele enjoys spending time with family and traveling.
Rebecca Hastings,
OPMD Association V.P. Marketing and Social Media
Rebecca currently serves on the OPMD Association’s Board of Directors as V.P. Marketing and Social Media. Her husband has OPMD, and she serves as his primary caregiver. Since the 2008 Muscular Dystrophy diagnosis of her husband, Rebecca has worked to learn about OPMD. She has been an independent advocate for OPMD for many years, with the main goal of creating OPMD awareness. As a result, she has long-term relationships with many people in the OPMD Community. Rebecca co-administrates an OPMD Facebook Support/Social Group. Her previous work experience is in the Vacation Home Rental & Real Estate field in Western Maine. Rebecca has extensive experience in Office Administration, Real Estate Marketing and Property Sales.
Melissa Farugia,
OPMD Association Secretary and Clinical Consultant
Melissa is an allied healthcare professional and reimbursement specialist with a degree in Occupational Therapy from Texas Tech Health Sciences Center. She has over 30 years of leadership and clinical experience in the post-acute and rehabilitation sectors. Melissa has an unwavering commitment to support increased awareness, medical advancement and access to healthcare that promotes independence and the quality of life for those served, families and caregivers.
Melissa has a deep appreciation for the opportunity to serve as a Member of the Board of Directors for the OPMD Association. She is dedicated to supporting the OPMD initiatives to create awareness, connections and access to treatments, and a solution-driven mission, and vision to be a part of the cure.
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