Muscular Dystrophy Association - Boston, MA


 

About

What is MDA?

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is the worlds leading nonprofit health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neuromuscular diseases. MDA funds worldwide research; provides comprehensive health care services and support to MDA families nationwide; and rallies communities to fight back through advocacy, fundraising and local engagement.

What does MDA cover?

The majority of diseases under MDAs umbrella are caused by genetic factors. All result in progressive muscle weakness. Symptoms can range from mild muscle weakness to complete paralysis of all voluntary muscles, including those used for breathing and swallowing. Among these diseases, the age of onset varies from birth to adulthood, and life span after diagnosis can be as short as a year or as long as several decades.

For detailed information about each of the neuromuscular diseases in MDA's program, visit the MDA Disease Directory.

What does MDA do?

Worldwide research

MDA annually funds more than 250 research projects around the world. Thanks to MDA-funded research:

clinical trials of potential therapies are under way in Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies, spinal muscular atrophy, ALS and other diseases;the largest drug discovery project in ALS to date is being conducted at the ALS Therapy Development Institute;optimal care guidelines have been developed for several rare conditions;a lifesaving enzyme replacement therapy has been developed for Pompe disease; andmore new drugs for muscle diseases are planned in the next five years than in the previous 50.

Providing families with support

MDAs comprehensive services program helps individuals and their families meet the challenges imposed by chronic, progressive muscle diseases through:

a national network of 200 medical clinics staffed by experts in neuromuscular diseases, including more than 40 clinics designated as MDA/ALS centers;local support groups and events for individuals and families;assistance locating, obtaining and repairing needed durable medical equipment; andonline opportunities to connect, share and learn through online communities, social media, care coordination tools and webinars.

Summer camps

Each year, thousands of youngsters ages 6 to 17 attend a free weeklongaccessible summer camp session where they get to be "just kids."

Public and professional health education

Online and in print, MDA offers a vast library of information about research, clinical trials, health care and daily living strategies. MDA also regularly convenes international scientific meetings and conferences for researchers and MDA clinic directors.

Advocacy

MDA represents the needs of the neuromuscular disease community in matters of public policy and research advancement, and facilitates involvement in these areas by the people it serves.

Community programs

Public awareness programs, including the MDA Art Collection and MDA Goodwill Ambassadors, demonstrate that disability is no barrier to creativity and service.

Mission: The Muscular Dystrophy Association is the worlds leading nonprofit health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neuromuscular diseases . We do so by funding worldwide research; by providing comprehensive health care services and support to MDA families nationwide; and by rallying communities to fight back through advocacy, fundraising and local engagement. Its special work powered by special people who give generously. Visit mda.org and follow us atfacebook.com/MDAnational and @MDAnews .
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