Nashville writer gets MDA's Achievement Award - Jan Blaustone - Brief Article

Accent on Living, Winter, 2000

Jan Blaustone of Nashville, Tennessee, has been named winner of the Muscular Dystrophy Association's National Personal Achievement Award for 2001.

The award, which recognizes the accomplishments and community service of individuals affected by neuromuscular diseases, was presented to Blaustone on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon in September.

Jan, 45, is a writer, speaker, teacher and artist whose work focuses on family life and disability issues. An athletic woman until her diagnosis, Blaustone became affected by muscular dystrophy in her early 30s She strives to lead by example and show that people with a disability have much to contribute to society. "Jan is an inspiring woman whose energy and attitude set an example for all of us," MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis said. "Her achievements show that neuromuscular diseases are no match for dreams and determination."

In 1987, Blaustone received a diagnosis of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, a slowly progressing disease that causes weakness and wasting, initially in the shoulder and pelvic girdle muscles. Blaustone uses a motorized scooter and, occasionally, a manual wheelchair to assist with mobility.

Jan's varied work background includes advertising and public relations, firefighting, and work as an assistant to best-selling author H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Blaustone is the author of two books and frequently writes freelance pieces for magazines and newspapers, including MDA's national magazine, Quest. Her book, "The Joy of Parenthood," a pocket-sized compendium of inspirtational and encouraging thoughts for parents, was published in 1993, It was inspired by the experiences she and her husband, Michael, had raising their son Lee, now 10. Blaustones' second book is "Every Family Is Special., Love Comes First."

A substitute teacher for elementary and middle schools in Metro-Davidson County, Blaustone makes voluntary classroom visits to help educate youngsters about people with disabilities.

Her community involvement has included volunteering as a consultant on special needs adoptions for Family and Children's Service of Middle Tennessee. In 1994 she was honored by the Nashville mayor's office for her efforts to promote a positive image of people with disabilities.

As an MDA volunteer leader at the local and national levels, Blaustone serves on MDA's National Task Force on Public Awareness and is a member of its steering committee. She volunteers annually for the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon and was profiled on the 1996 national broadcast. Blaustone also speaks on behalf of MDA at seminars and fundraising events, and helps motivate and inspire others in MDA-sponsored support groups.

She's contributed three paintings to the MDA Art Collection and coordinated a traveling exhibit of the collection at the JFK Center at Vanderbilt University. Three of her most recent photographs, taken while a volunteer at an MDA summer camp, are being featured in an exhibit about disability culture at the Independent Arts Gallery in New York City.