On the cover: Both Andrew Soto, shown here with Freckles, and his older brother Julian, have received diagnoses of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. They live in Tucson, Ariz., with their parents, Lupe and Tim. Dear Friends What are Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophies? What causes Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies? What happens to the voluntary muscles of someone with DMD or BMD? What tests are used to diagnose DMD and BMD? What can be done to treat DMD or BMD? In what other ways do DMD and BMD affect the body? Can special diets or exercises help in DMD and BMD? How do families and children adjust to DMD or BMD? The Muscle-Fiber Membrane Does it Run in the Family? MDA's Search for Treatments & Cures MDA is Here to Help You

MDA is Here to Help You

The Muscular Dystrophy Association offers a vast array of services to help you and your family deal with DMD or BMD. The staff at your local MDA office is there to assist you with services including:

MDA also helps you stay abreast of research news, medical findings and disability information through educational speakers, videos, newsletters and more. Be sure and ask your local office for some of MDA’s latest booklets, including “Services for the Individual, Family and Community,” “Breathe Easy,” “A Teacher’s Guide to Neuromuscular Disease” and some publications geared to children. Many MDA brochures are available in Spanish. You’ll also want to get a copy of “Journey of Love,” MDA’s book-length guide to DMD for parents.

Everyone registered with MDA also receives Quest, MDA’s award-winning national magazine. Quest publishes detailed articles about research findings; medical and day-to-day care; helpful products and devices; psychological, social and family issues related to living with a disability; and much more.

If you have any questions about DMD or BMD, someone at MDA will help you find the answers.