For Strength, Independence and Life
At the Muscular Dystrophy Association, we believe in living life, unlimited.
Make a DonationWe’re fighting to free individuals — and the families who love them — from the harmful effects of muscular dystrophy, ALS and related life-threatening diseases so they can live longer and grow stronger.
The freedom to walk, to talk, to run and play. To laugh, to hug. To eat. To breathe.
Each day these freedoms are taken away from kids and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases that weaken muscle strength and limit mobility. Together we can change that.
About Neuromuscular DiseasesWhat We Do
Founded by a group of families in 1950, families are at the heart of everything we do today.
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Cure
Finding research breakthroughs across diseases to accelerate treatments & cures
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Care
Caring for kids and adults from day one at MDA Care Centers
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Champion
Empowering families with services and support in hometowns across America
Get Involved
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MDA is supporting180 researchprojects worldwide
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Kids and adults makenearly 50,000visits to MDA Care Centers each year
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More than 3,800kids receive their “best week of the year” at MDA Summer Camp, free of charge
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You’ve helped makethis progress and more possibleSee the Impact
Volunteer with Us
Whether you’re looking to volunteer at a camp or a local office, organize a group of friends to fundraise, run a marathon, or advocate for the cause, the ways to get involved are endless.
Ways to Get InvolvedLatest Happenings & Stories
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SMA Added to National List of Disorders to Screen for at Birth
After significant collaborative work among many stakeholders in the spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) community, we are pleased to share that the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Dr. Alex Azar, has accepted the recommendation to add SMA to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel for newborns. This is a landmark decision for the SMA community.
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Sarepta Reports Positive Preliminary Findings in DMD Gene Therapy Trial
This week, Sarepta Therapeutics announced encouraging preliminary results from a phase 1/2a gene therapy trial designed to assess the investigational drug AAVrh74.MHCK7.micro-Dystrophin in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). After 90 days in the trial, the first three participants all showed robust expression of micro-dystrophin — a shortened version of the protein that is absent in the muscle of those with DMD.
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From Graduation Onward: MDA National Ambassador Justin Moy Looks Ahead
MDA National Ambassador Justin aspires to become a researcher and is preparing now to head to college and major in bioinformatics and computational biology. Check out the story he wrote to share a few thoughts on his next exciting chapter.
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From Caregiver to Clinic Coordinator: Karen Toennis’ Journey Alongside ALS
In the 25 years since her husband’s diagnosis, Karen has seen a lot of progress on the ALS front. She is optimistic about where research is headed but still remembers what it was like for Mike to receive his life-changing news...
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Recent News
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MDA Funds Development of a Critical Biomarker for Charcot Marie Tooth Disease
$1 million investment aims to accelerate drug development and speed clinical trials to test candidate therapies for CMT
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MDA Funds Expansion of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy Clinical Research Network
$1.2 million investment will support seven medical centers that specialize in FSHD research and clinical care
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Sailormen Inc. Popeyes Raises More Than $1,000,000 for MDA
The annual “Appetite for a Cure” program and golf tournament will help fund vital research and care for kids and adults affected by neuromuscular disease.
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MDA Names Michael J. Kennedy as Chief Financial Officer
After a comprehensive nationwide search, the Muscular Dystrophy Association has announced the appointment of Michael Kennedy as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
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Meet Our Partners
These friends are helping MDA families live longer, grow stronger, and defy limits.
Join Us
Sign up to receive email updates on volunteer opportunities and the impact you’re making for families.
MDA Resource Center: We’re Here For You
Our trained specialists are here to provide one-on-one support for every part of your journey. Send a message below or call us at 1-833-ASK-MDA1 (1-833-275-6321). If you live outside the U.S., we may be able to connect you to muscular dystrophy groups in your area, but MDA services are only available in the U.S.
