Muscular Dystrophy Association

Description

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MD) is a voluntary health agency--a dedicated partnership between scientists & concerned citizens aimed at conquering neuromuscular diseases that affect more than a million Americans, and supporting those affected by these diseases. Muscular Dystrophy is a term describing a group of diseases characterized by progressive degeneration of volunteer muscles. MDA covers over 40 neuromuscular diseases whose conditions vary in age of onset, rate of progression, and the muscle groups affected. ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) & Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy are two of the more familiar diseases covered by MDA.

While medical care & research are an integral part of what we do, our non-medical services are also critically important. These include support groups, social gatherings for those we serve, an informative quarterly newsletter, & MDA Summer Camp for young people ages 6-17. These non-medical components of the program that we provide are critical because they allow people living with neuromuscular disease to remain connected to a community with other people experiencing similar struggles. These services are critical in our society, where having a disability can be extremely socially isolating.

MDA funds come from individual & private donations, as well as through MDA-produced special events. The Association receives no government or United Way funding.