Hope Through Research, Help Through Services

The Muscular Dystrophy Association, or MDA, is the pioneer and world’s largest nonprofit health agency devoted to discovering treatments and cures for the over 40 types of neuromuscular diseases such as muscular dystrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The organization’s efforts are made possible due to world-wide funding and research which allows MDA to provide comprehensive healthcare services and support to families and individuals affected by muscle disease; as well as promoting advocacy, fundraising, and local, national, and worldwide engagement to bring awareness to this disease.

Muscular Dystrophy Association Stats

For 70 years, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has been committed to transforming the lives of people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. We do this through innovations in science and innovations in care. As the largest source of funding for neuromuscular disease research outside of the federal government, MDA has committed more than $1 billion since our inception to accelerate the discovery of therapies and cures. Research we have supported is directly linked to life-changing therapies across multiple neuromuscular diseases. MDA’s MOVR is the first and only data hub that aggregates clinical, genetic, and patient-reported data for multiple neuromuscular diseases to improve health outcomes and accelerate drug development. MDA supports the largest network of multidisciplinary clinics providing best in class care at more than 150 of the nation’s top medical institutions. Our Resource Center serves the community with one-on-one specialized support, and we offer educational conferences, events, and materials for families and healthcare providers. Each year thousands of children and young adults learn vital life skills and gain independence at summer camp and through recreational programs, at no cost to families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, MDA continues to produce virtual events and programming to support our community when in-person events and activities are not possible. MDA’s COVID-19 guidelines and virtual events are posted at mda.org/COVID19.

For more information, visit mda.org.

The MDA has been designated a “Top-Rated Charity” by the American Institute of Philanthropy, and MDA is the first nonprofit to receive a “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the American Medical Association for “significant and lasting contributions to the health and welfare of humanity.”

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