Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/80908
work to inspire Someone You Should Know: Crystal Mundt Hitting the road for muscular dystrophy By Elishah Oesch Crystal Mundt's days start and end with the roar of a Harley. As the general manager of the Sauk Prairie Harley Davidson dealer- ship, she wouldn't have it any other way; it's a job, and a life, that she loves. "It's not just a job. It's the people, the corporation and the pas- a passion rivaled by one cause: Curing muscular dystrophy through the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Freedom Ride. The "behind-the-scenes" leader and organizer of the MDA sion for the sport. I love what I do. If I didn't, I wouldn't be here six days a week," she says. Mundt has been selling and riding Harleys for 25-plus years. It's Freedom Ride for 24 years, Mundt campaigns to gather donations from fellow bikers for the MDA, which is dedicated to curing the group of more than 30 genetic diseases that are grouped together as muscular dystrophy, as well as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease) and related diseases. To date, the ride has raised well over $1 million to fund research, send kids with the disease to camp, and support families who are waging the daily battle with the disease. This year, on July 21, Mundt kicked off the most recent ride, and was involved from the moment the engines revved up to the time they crossed the finish line. Every participant was asked to give a $25 donation to MDA, and then ride together in one massive group to Portage. While raising money is always important, Mundt says it's about more than that. "It's about what we're able to do to help the kids. We can be a small part of that piece. Every year there's a new family with a new child that has the disease," Mundt explains. The opportunity to work with the MDA Freedom Ride has vantage of being able to do what they want to do. You often get caught up in the day-to-day business world, but as we get closer to Freedom Ride, it drives the staff here to give more and find a cure," Mundt says. "For me personally, I remember how tough the kids have it." changed her life; she appreciates what she has more. "It comes from my heart. My kids are healthy and have the ad- MDA Freedom ride for years to come—as long as she's able to. "We're in it for the long haul," she says. "We're here for the kids." However, it's the dream of not needing the Freedom Ride that After years of success, Mundt plans to continue supporting the keeps her going. "If we could stop having the Freedom Ride for MDA that would Freedom Ride. In fact, she's already buzzing with ideas and plans for next year. "We start thinking about the route and the events we want to Elishah Oesch is co-anchor at WKOW 27s Wake up Wisconsin. Find her at wkow.com. ••• be the ultimate goal because they would have found a cure," she says. "If that happened, we would have one great party!" Until that day, Mundt plans to continue her work with the MDA offer as soon as the last one finishes," she says. "It's a lot of man power and volunteers." And to her, all the time and effort is more than worth it. Nonprofit Profile: Muscular Dystrophy Association What it is: A nonprofit organi- zation working to fund world- wide research and provide health care, support services, advocacy and education to help cure muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases. 32 BRAVA Magazine What it does: Providing services, advocacy and education, MDA helps make health care decisions easier and quality of life better for those affected by muscular dystrophy. September 2012 How you can help: Volunteers can provide physical and emotional support at various events, support groups and seminars throughout the year, as well as support kids head- ing to MDA summer camps. How to give: This organiza- tion accepts donations online for single gifts, monthly gifts and legacy gifts, and accepts many other forms of donations, including stock donations. For more information: Call (608) 222-3269 or visit mda.org. Photo by Amber Arnold