Cedartown woman with CMT honored with personal achievement award

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Cedartown woman honored by MDA with Ga. personal achievement award

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The Muscular Dystrophy Association has named Pam Barfield of Cedartown the

recipient of its 2010 Ross Personal Achievement Award for Georgia.

Barfield, 32, was selected for MDA's highest achievement award in Georgia for

her outstanding work on behalf of others with disabilities and for her

determination to excel in the face of personal challenges.

Barfield has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neuromuscular disorder that causes

muscle weakness and atrophy; some loss of sensation in the feet, lower legs,

hands and forearms; and often, stiffened joints caused by abnormal tightening of

muscles and associated tissues. She walks with the assistance of leg braces and

frequently uses a power wheelchair for mobility.

Barfield volunteers at Cherokee Elementary School, mentoring several students

every year. She also helps people who are elderly or disabled file their tax

returns, and volunteers at the local animal control shelter, fostering and

bottle-feeding kittens.

In addition, she is very active at MDA fundraising events and other activities

to highlight public awareness of disability issues.

" I'm very pleased to recognize Pam Barfield as Georgia's Ross MDA

Personal Achievement Award recipient for 2010, " said MDA President and CEO

Gerald C. Weinberg. " Her work is a real asset to the Cedartown community, and an

example of the kind of leadership MDA is proud to support. "

Barfield was selected as Georgia's state recipient after having been selected

for a local achievement award by MDA's Greater Georgia Chapter.

One person will be selected from among all the state honorees around the country

and named MDA's national 2011 Ross Personal Achievement Award recipient.

The national award recipient will be announced on the Jerry MDA Telethon

to be broadcast Sept. 5-6.