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 . . .
At Daytona International Speedway, if you see a silver wheelchair-accessible minivan flash by outside the stadium, it’s shuttling people who need assistance getting around the expansive venue. Philip James “PJ” Nicholoff would be happy knowing that his family donated his beloved van to the speedway, and its back windows display signage honoring him. A big . . .
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) belongs to a group of rare genetic disorders, known as dystrophinopathies, that are caused by mutations of the dystrophin gene. DMD is characterized by progressive degeneration and weakness of the body’s voluntary muscles, primarily the skeletal muscles that control movement. In later stages, the heart and respiratory muscles may also be . . .
In recognition of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is honored and excited to highlight the career and accomplishments of Dr. Angela Lek, PhD. International Women and Girls in Science Day, February 11, endeavors to acknowledge and celebrate the invaluable role that women and girls play in accelerating . . .
The individuals and families in our neuromuscular community have always been the heart of MDA’s mission. MDA’s Family Support Team executes a variety of programs that empower individuals and families on their journeys. As another year ends, and the new year is ramping up, the Family Support Team is proud to reflect on services provided . . .
As the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) continues our commitment to empowering people living with neuromuscular disease, we are excited to kick off 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 . . .
For the first six months following her amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis, Valerie Geerer’s instinct was to keep the news to herself. “My husband and close family and friends knew, but I didn’t feel comfortable sharing it with co-workers or acquaintances,” she says. Then she met Dora Sementilli. Like Valerie, Dora was in her 50s . . .
Researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital/Brandeis University are seeking unaffected siblings of boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) to participate in a survey about their perspectives on disclosure and communication within the family. The information gained from this study will be used to guide parents on how to best communicate information about DMD to their family members. . . .
Here at MDA, we are working to ensure all contact information is up-to-date for those who are registered in order to serve you as well as we possibly can. If your dependent has recently turned 18, please encourage them to email our MDA National Resource Center, at resourcecenter@mdausa.org, to update their contact information and to hear . . .
Researchers at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada are seeking young adults living with muscular dystrophy to participate in a survey about their interest in and experiences receiving genetic information. Participants will be required to complete a 10-15 minute online survey that collects largely quantitative data, as well as some open-ended responses. After completing . . .
