The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a voluntary health agency -- a dedicated partnership between scientists and concerned citizens aimed at conquering neuromuscular diseases that affect more than a million Americans.
MDA combats neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and community services, and far-reaching professional and public health education. With national headquarters in Tucson, MDA has more than 200 offices across the country, sponsors 225 hospital-affiliated clinics and supports nearly 400 research projects around the world.
MDA supports more research on neuromuscular diseases than any other private-sector organization in the world. MDA scientists are in the forefront of gene therapy research and have uncovered the genetic defects responsible for several forms of muscular dystrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease), childhood spinal muscular atrophy, and several other neuromuscular conditions.
The
Association's comprehensive service program includes
medical examinations, flu shots, support groups, MDA
summer camps for youngsters and assistance with purchase
of wheelchairs and leg braces.
MDA was created in
1950 by a group of adults with muscular
dystrophy, parents of children with muscular
dystrophy, and a physician-scientist studying
the disorder. Since its earliest days it
has been energized by its number-one volunteer
and national chairman, entertainer Jerry
Lewis.
The
Association's programs are funded almost
entirely by individual private contributors.
MDA seeks no government grants, United Way
funding or fees from those it serves.
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