GE Chairman’s Award Benefits FSH Muscular Dystrophy Research

When GE Aviation’s Vice President Mohammad Ehteshami was told that he had received the prestigious GE Chairman’s Award, he asked that the $25,000 be donated to the FSH Society, a Massachusetts-based charitable foundation that has transformed the science of a little-known disease, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD).

“FSHD has impacted someone very dear to me, and I therefore wanted to do my part in helping to fund the research for finding a cure,” Ehtashami told the FSH Society.

FSHD is one of the most common muscle dystrophies. The genetic disorder typically attacks the muscles of the face (facio), shoulder blades (scapula) and arms (humerus), but can progress to affect all skeletal muscles. Approximately one-quarter to one-third of patients end up in wheelchairs. FSHD affects more than half a million people around the world.

Every year, GE Chairman of the Board and CEO Jeff Immelt recognizes leaders from across the company with the annual Chairman’s Awards for their outstanding performance and leadership. Those who receive the Chairman’s Award have the honor of selecting a non-profit of their choice to receive a $25,000 monetary donation from GE.

This year, Ehteshami, who is Vice President for New Product Introduction Engineering Operations at GE Aviation, was recognized for his domain expertise and technology leadership in 2013.

“We congratulate Mr. Ehtashami on the recognition he has received from his company and are deeply honored that he chose the FSH Society to receive this generous donation,” said FSH Society Executive Director June Kinoshita. “FSHD is among the most prevalent muscular dystrophies, but is little known to the public, so corporate philanthropy is immensely important in helping to raise awareness and much-needed funds.”