Pacific Northwest Chapter

Connect. Support. Inform. Strengthen.

Welcome to the Pacific Northwest Chapter

The Pacific Northwest chapter of the FSHD Society is a local group of people, families, and advocates working together to support those living with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Whether you join us in person or virtually, our chapter offers a place to connect with others who understand what you’re going through.

We provide support, share local resources, and keep you informed on the latest research and care. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with FSHD for years, we’re here to support you, every step of the way.

Join your local chapter and learn how we can support you on your FSHD journey.

Meet the Team

  • Selina Lai

    Selina Lai

    Selina has been an active member of the FSHD community for over 10 years, supporting fundraising efforts in both the Los Angeles area and the Pacific Northwest. With years of experience as a community leader, she is committed to expanding the Pacific Northwest Chapter and connecting with those affected by FSHD in the region. Having several family members diagnosed with the condition, Selina is passionate about advocacy, education, and research, believing these efforts will lead to effective treatments in the near future.

    Before recently retiring to Washington State, Selina worked in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Education. She spent 15 years in leadership roles in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, while raising her two sons, Thomas and Andrew. Now living in Gig Harbor, WA, with her husband, Russell, she enjoys playing tennis, cooking, reading, and traveling. Selina is dedicated to continuing to build and strengthen the Pacific Northwest Chapter and supporting others in the community.

    Contact Selina directly or visit the Pacific Northwest Facebook page.

Volunteer with the Chapter

While Selina is powering the path forward, we’re always looking for passionate individuals to help with planning events, spreading the word, and working on other projects. Your involvement will make a big difference in growing the chapter and supporting those affected by FSHD.

Contact Beth Johnston, Chief of Volunteer Leadership to learn how you can make an impact and get involved.

Additional Information

Spring 2024

Read the Spring2024  newsletter here.

Winter 2024

Read the Winter 2024 newsletter here.

Winter 2023

Read the Winter 2023 newsletter here.

Fall 2023

Winter 22/23

Click here to read all about the PNW Chapter News and Notes for Winter 22-23!

October/November 2022

July/August 2022

Click here to read all about the PNW Chapter News and Notes for July and August 22!

June 2022

Click here to read all about the PNW Chapter News and Notes for June 22!

May 2022

For our May meeting, we were joined by Jonelle Young, B.H.K., CPT, CNP for her talk: “Fitness & Nutrition from a Holistic Health Perspective with specific recommendations for FSHD population.” Watch the recording by clicking here. Check out Jonelle Young’s slides by clicking here!

June brings the 2022 FSHD Connect Conference in Orlando, June 18 & 19. For those of you not attending in person, we will be hosting a Watch Party–stay tuned for details via email!

Click HERE for all of the PNW Chapter Notes and News April 22!

PNW Meeting 3.5.22Thank you to all our virtual and in-person attendees for joining our PNW meeting on “Personal Wellness, Tips from the Locals.”
We were fortunate to have Ranae Beeker, Karla Nuss, and Nancy Payton share their personal paths to wellness.
It was also our pleasure to have both Heidi Roy (in-person) and Marc Stone (virtually) of the FSHD Society attend our meeting and provide the latest news on the Fulcrum Phase 3 clinical trial announcement.

Click here to see the meeting handouts and from our March 5, 2022, Chapter meeting!

Upcoming Pacific Northwest Chapter Events

Pacific Northwest Chapter in Pictures