Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is a type of muscular dystrophy that affects about 1 in 8,000 people worldwide. The disease is known by several names, including Steinert disease, after the doctor that first described it, and “DM” in reference to its Greek name, dystrophia myotonica. Similar to other forms of muscular dystrophy, DM is characterized by . . .
When Yuliya Matyushenko was 12 years old, the Paris-based rare disease organization Eurordis featured her on a poster promoting Rare Disease Day 2015. In late February, the young woman with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) was hiding in a bare concrete basement in Kharkiv as Ukraine’s second-largest city, located only 35 kilometers from the Russian border, . . .
When he was 15 years old, Elijah Stacy had a dream: to end Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the disease that affects him and thousands of other people. So, he decided to start a nonprofit called Destroy Duchenne to support advancing gene-editing and gene-therapy technologies to find a cure for DMD. To achieve his ambitious goal, . . .
To commemorate the 40th Birthday of MDA Shamrocks with a special edition T-shirt, the MDA enlisted the talent and expertise of freelance graphic designer, Dustin Clark. Dustin, a 28-year-old designer and illustrator living with Becker muscular dystrophy, is passionate about the incredible impact that MDA Shamrocks has had on the neuromuscular community. He was excited to . . .
Researchers at Wave Life Sciences are seeking boys living with DMD caused by gene mutations amenable to exon 53 skipping interventions to participate in a phase 1b/2a clinical trial. This trial will evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and correct dosage of the investigational drug WVE-N531. WVE-N531 is an exon-skipping drug designed to promote skipping over a section . . .
At a time when so much is changing, one thing that remains constant is the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s dedication to providing programs and support to help children and adults with neuromuscular disease live longer and grow stronger. A diagnosis of muscular dystrophy, ALS, or other related neuromuscular disease can bring many challenges to individuals and . . .
As the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) continues our commitment to empowering people living with neuromuscular disease, we are excited to present our 2022 blog series: “Quest for Success”. Success looks different to everyone and this monthly blog will detail the different paths that individuals with neuromuscular disease have taken to reach their potential and the . . .
MDA Summer Camp has been a favorite tradition for our young community for over 65 years. For one week every year, children and teens receive the opportunity to gain critical life-skills, including self-confidence, independence, and self-advocacy, while making lifelong friendships in an inclusive and accessible environment. In 2020, in an effort to keep this popular . . .
Did you know that according to a recent MDA survey, only 21% of adults living with neuromuscular disease are working part or full-time? Many individuals with disabilities have a desire to work but face employment hurdles, including the lack of wraparound support services, inaccessible workplaces, discriminatory wages, and a potential loss of Supplemental Security Income . . .
Researchers at Newcastle University are seeking adults living with general pain or with myotonic dystrophy (DM) to participate in a survey to learn about the ability of individuals affected by these conditions to self-manage pain and to determine how this affects overall well-being. This study involves a 15-20 minute online survey. To be eligible, individuals must . . .
