JLS Market Center Gives Back Oregon Every month JLS Market Center donates $1,000 to a worthy cause. In September they donated $1,000 to MDA which is a cause close to one of the members of thier office. MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education. MDA maintains clinics for area adults and children affected by neuromuscular diseases at Shriners Hospital for Children and at Oregon Health & Science University, both in Portland. Makenna Sewell, a sixth-grader at Tom McCall Upper Elementary School in Forest Grove. Makenna, 11, was the subject of a videotaped profile on the legendary broadcast, now in its 42nd year. She and her family made a live appearance on the show. Bob Mackle, an MDA spokesman, said, "With a lively spirit and composure beyond her years, Makenna the Oregon State Ambassador attends various MDA events with her family and speaks on behalf of the association. She's participated in Lock-Ups, Fill-The-Boot and Stride & Ride fundraising campaigns, and Shamrock luncheons. Makenna loves being in the spotlight and enjoys writing and art." Sewell has spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic disease that causes weakness in the muscles closest to the center of the body, such as those of the shoulders, hips, thighs and upper back. Respiratory muscles can also be affected and spinal curvature is common. She uses a power scooter for mobility. Her younger brother, Grayson, doesn't have SMA.