Description
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) was founded in 1950 for the purpose of eradicating neuromuscular diseases. The search for treatments and cures for neuromuscular diseases has always been MDA's primary goal. To that end, the Association sponsors a worldwide research program, making it the nation's leading voluntary organization supporting basic and applied scientific investigation into the neuromuscular diseases in its program.
MDA helped train many of the leading researchers in the field today. Life expectancy for those affected by many childhood neuromuscular diseases has increased as a result of better diagnostic techniques and medical management, much of which was developed in connection with MDA research and clinical care.
MDA also provides medical and other services to people affected by neuromuscular diseases through a nationwide network of field offices and some 235 hospital-affiliated clinics. MDA is the only agency providing comprehensive care for people with any one of more than 40 diseases included in our program, including ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease; nine forms of muscular dystrophy; and four forms of spinal muscular atrophy, Friedrich's ataxia, myositis, and related neuromuscular diseases.
The Association's programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors. MDA receives no government grants, nor does it seek or receive fees from individuals served or their families.
