Bangor woman earns MDA award for art

PORTLAND – Michelle Snyder of Bangor has been named recipient of the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s 2003 Personal Achievement Award for Maine.

Snyder, 51, was selected for the honor because of her community involvement and her determined pursuit of art in the face of adversity.

The honor is part of MDA’s annual national award program recognizing the personal and professional accomplishments and community service of people with any of the neuromuscular diseases in MDA’s program.

Snyder, an artist, studied graphic design and fashion design and operated a graphics business with her husband, Jay. When increasing unsteadiness in her hands, a result of neuromuscular disease, began to affect the way she created her artwork, she found ways to adapt, such as changing from easy-to-smudge pen and ink to pencil.

She currently teaches art classes for children at Penobscot Christian School and for Bangor Adult Education. She’s working toward a fine arts associate degree at University College of Bangor. She is known for her positive attitude and spirit, which inspire her students.

Snyder is involved in many aspects of MDA. She has spoken on behalf of the association at local events, including the local broadcast of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.

In 2001, she received a diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a peripheral nerve disorder that causes weakness in the lower arms and legs. Snyder is ambulatory and wears supportive leg braces.

Snyder was chosen for the achievement award by MDA’s State of Maine Chapter.

One of the state award recipients will be selected to receive MDA’s 2004 National Personal Achievement Award. The national honoree will be announced during the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon Aug. 31-Sept. 1