The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a national voluntary health agency dedicated to fighting 43 neuromuscular diseases through an unparalleled worldwide research effort, a nationwide program of medical services and far-reaching professional and public health education. Individual MDA research grants to investigators number more than 500. Through MDA's patient services program, comprehensive medical services are furnished to children and adults with neuro-muscular diseases at some 230 hospital-affiliated clinics and through the Association's chapters. The Association receives no government grants, nor does it seek or receive fees from the people it serves or their families.