Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)

MDA is a voluntary health agency searching to find the causes, treatments and cures for over 40 neuromuscular diseases that fall under the umbrella term muscular dystrophy. MDA sponsors research and maintains comprehensive patient care and public health education programs to benefit the community and those affected by these diseases. At facilities in MDA's nationwide network of hospital-affiliated clinics, individuals receive diagnosis and follow-up care from specialists in neuromuscular disease. In conjunction with this medical care, MDA-through its some 150 chapters in the U.S. and Puerto Rico-provides many other direct services, including assistance with the purchase of wheelchairs, leg braces or communication devices, summer camps, support groups and selected transportation assistance.

Since its founding in 1950, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has become one of the nation's largest and best-known voluntary health agencies. MDA provides comprehensive medical services to tens of thousands of people with neuromuscular diseases at more than 240 hospital-affiliated clinics across the country. The Association's world-wide research program, which funds some 400 individual scientific investigations annually, represents the largest single effort to advance knowledge of neuromuscular diseases and to find cures and treatments for them.