Muscular Dystrophy Association

Dedicated to the advancement of MDA's mission, the association's advocacy efforts are committed to making life better for people with muscular dystrophy. Through representation in matters of public policy and research advencement, nationally and internationally, we strive to be an effective voice for the hundreds of thousands of Americans served by MDA. We aim to encourage and facilitate active involvement of people with these diseases in the community at large as well as in matters of public policy that are of specific concern to those with disabilities.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a voluntary health agency -- a dedicated partnership between scientists and concerned citizens aimed at conquering neuromuscular diseases that affect more than a million Americans.

MDA was created in 1950 by a group of adults with muscular dystrophy, parents of children with muscular dystrophy, and a physician-scientist studying the disorder. Since its earliest days it has been energized by its number-one volunteer and national chairman, entertainer Jerry Lewis.

The Association's programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors. MDA seeks no government grants, United Way funding or fees from those it serves.