Local entrepreneur wins MDA award

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - A local entrepreneur and advocate took home the a national award during the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon on Monday.

Thomas Arrington, of Chesapeake, received the 2011 Robert Ross MDA National Personal Achievement Award . Arrington suffers from a form of muscular dystrophy . He rose to a top management position in corporate America, and has fought the disease for the majority of his life.

"I'm determined to show others that, no matter your physical disability, if you maintain your fortitude and a smile on your face, that's all you need to effect positive change in society," said Arrington.

The telethon also had state and local winners winners, but Arrington took home the top prize as the national achiever. As a member of the Mayor's Council on Disabilities in Chesapeake, Arrington helps the city to have a working relationship with disability-related organizations like MDA.

"My main goal is to advise and make people aware that people with disabilities have some positive contributions to make in society," said Arrington.

The 2010 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon aired for several hours overnight Sunday and on Monday. This is the 40th year for the telethon that helps fight muscular dystrophy. The national MDA telethon raised nearly $59 million. The local pledge raised $716,468 in Hampton Roads.

Hampton Roads area 7-Elevens were the top money raisers locally with more than $95,000 raised. Chesapeake Local Firefighters 2449 won the Brass Boot Award for raising the most money by local firefighters. They raised $85,000.

For information on donating, visit the Muscular Dystrophy Association's website or call 1-800-FIGHT-MD.