Muscular Dystrophy Association

Why Donate to Muscular Dystrophy Association?

MDA is the nation’s largest nonprofit supporter of research on more than 40 different neuromuscular diseases for more than 70 years. Every year MDA supports hundreds of physicians and scientists in the fight to develop effective treatments for muscular dystrophies, motor neuron diseases, and related muscle-debilitating diseases so that people living with these disorders can thrive and pursue their passions.

Since its inception, MDA has invested more than $1 billion collectively in the laboratories of 7,000 scientists, helping build the entire field of neuromuscular disease biology and pioneering technologies such as the identification of disease-causing genes, gene therapy, antisense oligonucleotides, and, most recently, gene editing.

To date, MDA-sponsored research has led to the development of seven FDA approved therapies for ALS, Pompe disease, Spinal Muscular Atrophy(SMA), and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

MDA maintains the only data hub that aggregates clinical, genetic, and patient-reported data for multiple neuromuscular diseases including LGMD, CMT, Becker’s and DMD.

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 opportunities for families and healthcare providers by providing conferences, events, and materials.