Muscular Dystrophy Association

Mission

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is committed to transforming the lives of people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related neuromuscular diseases.

Services Provided

Innovations in science

MDA is accelerating the delivery of treatments and cures for the neuromuscular disease community.

• Research: MDA is the largest source of funding for neuromuscular disease research outside the federal government; over $1 billion over the past 70 years.
• Treatment: MDA’s research is directly linked to approved, life-changing therapies across multiple neuromuscular diseases.
• Technology: MDA developed the first-and-only data hub to aggregate healthcare, genetic and patient-reported data to help accelerate future breakthroughs.

Innovations in care

MDA provides programs and services that transform the lives of people living with neuromuscular disease.

• Care Centers: MDA has a network of over 150 MDA Care Centers providing best-in-class multidisciplinary care at the nation’s top medical institutions.
• Resources: MDA provides one-to-one specialist support through the Resource Center, and programs educational events for individuals, families, researchers, and health care professionals.
• Recreation: Vital life skills and independence are provided through summer camps and other recreational facilities – at no cost to families.

How Many People Reached

MDA serves over 300,000 people across the U.S. living with neuromuscular diseases, and more globally through online programming and resources.

How Donations Are Used

MDA is on the brink of discovering cures and transforming the lives of people with neuromuscular disease. Donations to MDA help fund pivotal research, care, and advocacy for our community.

Project Spotlight

During the COVID-19 pandemic, MDA continues to produce virtual events and programming to support their community when in-person events and activities are not possible. View MDA’s COVID-19 guidelines and virtual events.

Awards or Accreditations

The American Society for Gene and Cell Therapy awarded MDA the Sonia Skarlatos Public Service Award for 2019. Named for its inaugural co-recipient and tireless gene therapy advocate, the ASGCT’s Sonia Skarlatos Public Service Award recognizes a person or group that has consistently fostered and enhanced the field of gene and cell therapy through governmental agencies, public policy groups, public education, or non-governmental charitable organizations.

Interesting Facts

MDA is reimagining the iconic MDA Telethon. With Kevin Hart as the host, MDA is creating a multi-screen cultural moment that entertains audiences and drives charitable contributions and mass awareness, helping to transform the lives of people they serve. The event will stream Oct. 24, 2020. Learn more at MDA.org.