Muscular Dystrophy Association

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is a voluntary health agency working to find treatments and cures for forty-three (43) neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and community services and far-reaching professional and public health education. The Association was started in 1950 by a group of concerned parents whose children were affected by neuromuscular diseases. Over fifty years later, MDA is the leader in muscle disorder research and provides a broad range of services to our families at no cost to them. Services include assistance in the purchase and maintenance of leg braces, wheelchairs and communication devices and MDA Clinic visits. Other services include support groups, physical therapy; flu shots for patients, a weeklong Summer Camp, vital research and much more. The Greater Georgia chapter of MDA serves over 2200 children and adults in an 86 county area. MDA requests no fees from those it serves and receives no United Way funding. The Association is funded almost entirely by private, individual contributors. MDA is the first non-profit organization honored with the American Medical Association Lifetime Achievement Award for "significant and lasting contributions to the health and welfare of humanity."