GH's Barash to Muscular Dystrophy Association National Celebrity Ambassador.

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TUCSON, Ariz., Aug. 25, 2009 – Brandon Barash, the popular actor who plays Johnny Zacchara on ABC’s “General Hospital,” has been named a Muscular Dystrophy Association National Celebrity Ambassador.

By making public appearances at MDA events, starring in public service announcements and giving news media interviews, Barash will help raise public awareness of MDA’s battle against muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases.
Brandon Barash

Barash has quietly been raising funds to support MDA scientific research and services programs by donating all the proceeds from sales of his professional quality photographs of landscapes and city scenes from around the world.

He was motivated by his close friendship growing up in southern California with a young man who had Duchenne muscular dystrophy. When his friend died from effects of the disease, Barash determined he would work in behalf of MDA to help find treatments and a cure for the disease that usually proves fatal for young men by the time they reach their 20s.

Recently Barash decided to increase the level of his volunteer support for MDA not only by selling prints of his photos, but also copies of his new book of photography at General Hospital Fan Club events.

He also visited MDA headquarters in Tucson, Ariz., in July to tape spots for the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, the Telethon National Online Auction, which he will chair, and public service announcements. He will also appear live on the show, and is keeping his extensive Twitter following constantly updated on his MDA activities.

From Sept. 1 to 15, one of the items on the Telethon online auction will be a visit to the set of General Hospital, followed by lunch with Barash himself. The auction can be reached at www.mda.org/auctions.

MDA President & CEO Gerald C. Weinberg said the Association is honored to have Barash on its celebrity team. “Brandon is totally dedicated to helping MDA in its mission,” Weinberg said. “We are delighted that such a talented young man has joined our team.”

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.