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63-628: The organization was founded in 1950 by a group with personal connections to muscular dystrophy , including Paul Cohen who lived with the disease. Originally known as the Muscular Dystrophy Associations of America, it was renamed to its present name in the 1970s. In 1954, MDA began its partnership with the International Association of Fire Fighters for its annual Fill the Boot fundraising drive. In 1955,

126-493: A 100-voice choir performed the debut of the song "Look Up Way Down". Central to the park is its Peace Garden, which has a design based on the peace imagery Stepanek used in his book of essays Just Peace: A Message of Hope . In the Peace Garden there is a life-size bronze statue of Stepanek and his service dog, Micah, surrounded by chess tables. Throughout the park are presentations of quotes from Stepanek. On June 6, 2010,

189-827: A bestseller. He was the lyricist for Music Through Heartsongs performed by Billy Gilman . The album was released by Epic Records in April 2003. It debuted at number 109 on the Billboard 200 and at number 15 on the Hot Country Songs chart. Stepanek died at age 13 at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., on June 22, 2004. He was interred at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring, Maryland . Shortly after Stepanek's death in 2004,

252-666: A big charity to take care of or cure them." Muscular dystrophy Muscular dystrophies ( MD ) are a genetically and clinically heterogeneous group of rare neuromuscular diseases that cause progressive weakness and breakdown of skeletal muscles over time. The disorders differ as to which muscles are primarily affected, the degree of weakness, how fast they worsen, and when symptoms begin. Some types are also associated with problems in other organs . Over 30 different disorders are classified as muscular dystrophies. Of those, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) accounts for approximately 50% of cases and affects males beginning around

315-696: A bill that would amend the Public Health Service Act to revise the muscular dystrophy research program of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). MDA argued that "a great deal of work still needs to be done, and increased federal support is needed to ensure that researchers can continue making progress toward finding a cure." In December 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act into law. The act aimed to speed up

378-485: A funding commitment of more than $ 66 million. MDA is actively involved in supporting the development of gene therapies for rare neuromuscular diseases. In 2023, the association introduced the Kickstart Program to lower the barriers for gene therapy development. The program assembles a team of experts to collaboratively assist selected projects, positioning them for follow-on grant funding. The Kickstart Program

441-728: A national program one year later. In 1996, MDA and Lewis were jointly honored by the American Medical Association with a lifetime achievement awards for their contributions to the health and welfare of humanity. Dr. Stanley Appel established Houston Methodist Hospital's amyotrophic lateral sclerosis clinic with MDA in 1982, which has evolved into the MDA ALS Research and Clinical Center at the Houston Methodist Neurological Institute. Dr. Appel's pioneering work includes

504-518: A performance of Heartsongs took place at Carnegie Hall . It featured Stepanek's poetry, set to music by composer Joseph Martin. The music was performed by 200 members of Distinguished Concerts Singers International—including its Children's Choir—under the direction of conductor Stephen Roddy. In 2011, Oprah Winfrey named Stepanek as one of her all-time most memorable guests in the 25-year history of her show. Mattie convinced Oprah not to retire from her show on its 20th anniversary, saying by email that

567-652: A philosopher who played") who published seven best-selling books of poetry and peace essays. Before his death at the age of 13, he had become known as a peace advocate and motivational speaker. Matthew Stepanek was born on July 17, 1990. Stepanek's parents divorced when he was a child. He was raised in Upper Marlboro, Maryland , and later lived in Rockville, Maryland . His hero was former U.S. President Jimmy Carter , who described Stepanek as "the most extraordinary person whom I have ever known". Stepanek had

630-690: A quarterly magazine, Quest, catering to people with neuromuscular diseases and their caretakers. Mindy Henderson, diagnosed with type 2 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and a patient advocate, is the editor-in-chief as of 2023. The magazine, with a circulation of around 100,000, extends its reach through distribution at neurologists' offices and the MDA's network of 150 care centers across the country. Besides focusing on science and research, Quest's coverage includes adaptive lifestyles, travel, medical equipment, accessible fashion, employment, and media representation. Every summer, for one week, thousands of children from across

693-599: A range of symptoms. Muscle degeneration may be mild or severe. Problems may be restricted to skeletal muscle , or muscle degeneration may be paired with effects on the brain and other organ systems. Several forms of the congenital muscular dystrophies are caused by defects in proteins thought to have some relationship to the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex and to the connections between muscle cells and their surrounding cellular structure. Some forms of congenital muscular dystrophy show severe brain malformations, such as lissencephaly and hydrocephalus . Miyoshi myopathy, one of

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756-512: A severe form of muscular dystrophy, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), and Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT), which impacts peripheral nerves. MDA also addresses numerous rare disorders, such as Andersen–Tawil syndrome , Laing distal myopathy , and Walker–Warburg syndrome . Additionally, the association covers conditions like Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), congenital muscular dystrophies (CMD), myotonic dystrophy (DM), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and myasthenia gravis (MG). MDA supported

819-827: A tradition of selecting National Ambassadors who are people living with neuromuscular disease. Since the program's inception in 1952, over 45 National Ambassadors have shared their experiences to emphasize the need for funding research and developing treatments and cures for neuromuscular diseases. These representatives engage with partners, volunteers, supporters, and notable figures, gaining exposure through social media channels and national media outlets. Former youth ambassadors have pursued diverse fields in adulthood, advocating for improvements in accessibility, early intervention treatments through newborn screening, and advancements in research and care for MDA families and individuals living with disabilities. MDA's National Ambassadors were formerly known as "National Goodwill Ambassadors", which, until

882-468: Is Ethan LyBrand, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy and gained national recognition for his Shorty Award-winning "Joke-A-Day for MDA" campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 1986, MDA-funded researcher Louis M. Kunkel identified the dystrophin gene, the gene for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD). MDA funded the first gene therapy trial in 1999, followed by

945-752: Is in most muscle cells and works to strengthen the muscle fibers and protect them from injury as muscles contract and relax. It links the muscle membrane to the thin muscular filaments within the cell. Dystrophin is an integral part of the muscular structure. An absence of dystrophin can cause impairments: healthy muscle tissue can be replaced by fibrous tissue and fat, causing an inability to generate force. Respiratory and cardiac complications can occur as well. These mutations are either inherited from parents or may occur spontaneously during early development . Muscular dystrophies may be X-linked recessive , autosomal recessive , or autosomal dominant . Diagnosis often involves blood tests and genetic testing . There

1008-409: Is involved in research, advocacy, and services for individuals affected by muscular dystrophy. The organization provides resources that contribute to understanding and addressing this condition. Mattie Stepanek Matthew Joseph Thaddeus Stepanek (July 17, 1990 – June 22, 2004), known as Mattie J.T. Stepanek , was an American poet (or, as he wanted to be remembered, "a poet, a peacemaker, and

1071-761: Is no cure for any disorder from the muscular dystrophy group. Several drugs designed to address the root cause are currently available including gene therapy ( Elevidys ), and antisense drugs ( Ataluren , Eteplirsen etc.). Other medications used include glucocorticoids ( Deflazacort , Vamorolone ); calcium channel blockers ( Diltiazem ); to slow skeletal and cardiac muscle degeneration, anticonvulsants to control seizures and some muscle activity, and Histone deacetylase inhibitors ( Givinostat ) to delay damage to dying muscle cells . Physical therapy , braces , and corrective surgery may help with some symptoms while assisted ventilation may be required in those with weakness of breathing muscles . Outcomes depend on

1134-650: Is recognized as the largest network of multidisciplinary clinics specializing in neuromuscular diseases in the United States, with over 150 clinics distributed throughout the country. In addition to offering specialized care, these centers are also active sites of research. In 2023, MDA expanded its Resource Center by launching the Gene Therapy Support Network. This network provides resources and guidance about approved gene therapies for people living with neuromuscular diseases, aiming to help

1197-618: Is recognized by the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance as an accredited charity that meets all 20 Standards for Charity Accountability. As of the year ending December 31, 2022, MDA reported significant funding directed towards patient and community services, professional public health education, and research. The organization's financial activities, leadership compensation, and fundraising methods are transparently disclosed, emphasizing their commitment to accountability and ethical practices. Charity Navigator , which

1260-659: Is the largest independent evaluator of charities, gives MDA two out of four stars based on Financial, Accountability, and Transparency Performance Metrics. In 2019, CharityWatch gave MDA a grade of D, citing many financial issues in the organization. MDA has received the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar , recognizing its commitment to transparency and accountability. MDA and Lewis have been criticized by disability rights activists for their tendency to paint disabled people as, these advocates say, "pitiable victims who want and need nothing more than

1323-497: The Laugh Out Loud network and its YouTube channel. Celebrity guests for the 2020 telethon included Jack Black , Josh Gad , Michael B. Jordan , and Jillian Mercado . In November 2020, MDA launched a tool, called the neuroMuscular ObserVational Research (MOVR) Visualization and Reporting Platform (VRP), to help make clinical data more accessible and accelerate discovery of muscular dystrophy treatments. In response to

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1386-646: The Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act of 2013 (H.R. 1281; 113th Congress) , a bill that would amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize grant programs and other initiatives to promote expanded screening of newborns and children for heritable disorders. The MDA argued that "many of the drug therapies currently under development for MDA's community will be of most benefit if administered either presymptomatically or early in

1449-504: The 1980s, were referred to as "poster children". In 1952, the MDA inaugurated Michael Danna as its first Poster Child. One of the most well-known ambassadors was Mattie Stepanek , the National Goodwill Ambassador from 2002 until his death in 2004, notable for his best-selling Heartsongs series of poetry books, and his appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show and Good Morning America. Another notable ambassador

1512-425: The COVID-19 pandemic, MDA converted several of its traditional programs to virtual formats and introduced new virtual programming. The latter included several Facebook Live events discussing challenges that the pandemic placed on people with disabilities. It also provided COVID-19 resources and recommendations for neuromuscular patients and providers via its online resource center. Throughout stay at home orders due to

1575-568: The COVID-19 pandemic, MDA shared a "joke of the day" from National Ambassador Ethan Lybrand via their social media channels. In January 2021, MDA announced NFL running back Nyheim Hines as its national spokesperson. The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) was established to lead research and support for individuals affected by muscular dystrophy and related diseases. In a recent [interview]( https://denver-frederick.com/2024/01/12/the-muscular-dystrophy-association-reimagined-a-chat-with-mdas-dr-donald-wood/ ) with Denver Frederick, Dr. Donald Wood,

1638-450: The MDA announced that Lewis resigned as host and chairman, due to circumstances not revealed. However, in 2016, one year before his death, Lewis broke a five-year silence in a video endorsing MDA's redesigned web site and brand, declaring that the work to end muscular dystrophy be continued. Additionally, Lewis' support was so ironclad over the years that children and adults assisted by MDA are referred to as Jerry's Kids . From 2012 to 2014,

1701-645: The Senate and which honors Stepanek's life and peace legacy. In 2017, the city of Rockville, Maryland, voted to declare Mattie's July 17 birthday as "Peace Day" at a local level in perpetua, as a statement of support for the National Peace Day Campaign. On September 21, 2012, the feast day of Matthew the Apostle , the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Guild was officially initiated. The purpose of the guild

1764-580: The United States to raise money for research and patient services. In 2022, MDA resumed in-person Muscle Walks in numerous locations, including Phoenix, Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, Boston, Twin Cities, Houston, and Dallas, while continuing to offer a virtual Muscle Walk option to enhance participation flexibility. Throughout February and March, retailers across the US contribute to the MDA Shamrocks campaign,

1827-536: The United States. The partnership between MDA and IAFF dates back to 1954, with IAFF designating MDA as its charity of choice. Firefighters across the country have raised $ 690 million over nearly seven decades, leading to breakthroughs in research, FDA-approved treatments, and advocacy efforts such as access to care and newborn screening. MDA's annual payments to IAFF, which ranged from $ 980,000 to $ 1.4 million between 2015 and 2020 according to U.S. Department of Labor filings, received some scrutiny for their size relative to

1890-712: The ability to walk, and died at an early age became more prominent in medical journals. In the following decade, French neurologist Guillaume Duchenne gave a comprehensive account of the most common and severe form of the disease, which now carries his name – Duchenne MD. In 1966 in the US and Canada, Jerry Lewis and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) began the annual Labor Day telecast The Jerry Lewis Telethon , significant in raising awareness of muscular dystrophy in North America. Disability rights advocates, however, have criticized

1953-468: The age of four. Other relatively common muscular dystrophies include Becker muscular dystrophy , facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy , and myotonic dystrophy , whereas limb–girdle muscular dystrophy and congenital muscular dystrophy are themselves groups of several – usually extremely rare – genetic disorders. Muscular dystrophies are caused by mutations in genes , usually those involved in making muscle proteins. The muscle protein, dystrophin,

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2016-488: The arms and legs during a 24-week trial significantly delayed the functional loss of muscular dystrophy. It can be done in a safe and feasible manner, even with boys late in their ambulation stage. However, eccentric exercises, or intense exercises causing soreness should not be used as they can cause further damage. Occupational therapy assists the individual with MD to engage in activities of daily living (such as self-feeding and self-care activities) and leisure activities at

2079-463: The behest of the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation, in 2013, Barbara Mikulski , a United States senator from Maryland, sent a letter to US President Barack Obama, wanting to declare July 17 (Stepanek's birthday) a national peace day in Stepanek's honor. In July 2014, Ben Cardin , a junior United States senator from Maryland, joined Mikulski in introducing Senate Resolution 509, which was approved by

2142-445: The charity's expenditures. Debuting in 1966 and held annually on Labor Day weekend until 2014, the telethon was originally hosted by veteran film star, comedian and singer Jerry Lewis , who also served as the MDA's national chairman since its inception in 1950 and hosted the show until 2010. In 2005, the MDA made the unprecedented decision to pledge $ 1 million of the telethon's money raised to Hurricane Katrina disaster relief , making

2205-602: The community navigate the complexities of emerging gene therapies. Clinical networking through the MDA Care Center Network contributes additional support by facilitating best practice sharing between different care centers. MDA targets a wide range of neuromuscular diseases, including muscular dystrophies, motor neuron diseases , ion channel diseases, mitochondrial diseases , myopathies , neuromuscular junction diseases , and peripheral nerve diseases. Specific examples include Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD),

2268-552: The country who have been diagnosed with neuromuscular diseases are able to attend a camp designated for only them. MDA Summer Camp offers children and young adults the opportunity to participate in recreational activities that foster independence, self-confidence, skill development, and friendships. There is a one counselor to one camper ratio and the entire week the children, ages 8–17, are paired with an adult volunteer. They participate in activities and games and stay overnight. The camps are set up locally and are different weeks throughout

2331-535: The current CEO of MDA, discussed the organization's founding legacy and its evolving role in reimagining support and research for the muscular dystrophy community. Dr. Wood highlighted MDA's commitment to continuing the vision of its founders through expanded programs and initiatives. Research!America Advocacy Award (2025) In 2025, MDA received the Research!America Advocacy Award in recognition of its work in research and advocacy for neuromuscular diseases. MDA has

2394-702: The development and approval of therapies for ALS and other neuromuscular diseases. During the signing ceremony President Biden acknowledged the Muscular Dystrophy Association for playing a crucial role in advocating for the legislation. In May 2024, MDA supported the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through a $ 105 billion bill passed by Congress. The legislation includes improvements in air travel accessibility for people with disabilities, representing significant progress in this area. MDA

2457-620: The development of an immunotherapy treatment that may slow the progression of ALS. Dr. Appel's efforts were recognized by the MDA when he received the MDA's Tribute Award in 2022. In October 2020, the MDA Telethon , which had originally run from 1966 to 2014, was reimagined as The MDA Kevin Hart Kids Telethon after a six-year hiatus. The two-hour event was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic , and streamed live on

2520-650: The development of improved care and treatment for the neuromuscular community. The conference also hosts the Annual Insights in Research Investment Summit, which focuses on research and investment stakeholders in neuromuscular diseases. The 2023 conference featured a keynote address by Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, on the growing impact of gene therapies in treating rare disorders. MDA publishes

2583-438: The different muscular dystrophies follow various inheritance patterns ( X-linked , autosomal recessive or autosomal dominant ). In a small percentage of patients, the disorder may have been caused by a de novo (spontaneous) mutation . The diagnosis of muscular dystrophy is based on the results of muscle biopsy , increased creatine phosphokinase (CpK3), electromyography , and genetic testing . A physical examination and

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2646-463: The disease to the family and individual. Prognosis depends on the individual form of muscular dystrophy. Some dystrophies cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle function, which may result in severe physical disability and a life-threatening deterioration of respiratory muscles or heart. Other dystrophies do not affect life expectancy and only cause relatively mild impairment. In the 1860s, descriptions of boys who grew progressively weaker, lost

2709-634: The distal muscular dystrophies, causes initial weakness in the calf muscles, and is caused by defects in the same gene responsible for one form of limb–girdle muscular dystrophy . Currently, there is no cure for muscular dystrophy. In terms of management, physical therapy , occupational therapy , orthotic intervention (e.g., ankle-foot orthosis ), speech therapy, and respiratory therapy may be helpful. Low intensity corticosteroids such as prednisone , and deflazacort may help to maintain muscle tone. Orthoses (orthopedic appliances used for support) and corrective orthopedic surgery may be needed to improve

2772-607: The donation specifically to the Salvation Army (though the telethon also urged viewers to give to the American Red Cross ). In 2008, the annual televised fundraiser raised a record $ 65,031,393. Originally broadcast for up to 21½ hours from 1966 to 2010, the event was cut back to six hours in 2011. The 2011 edition of the telethon was originally announced to have been Lewis' last as host, with him continuing his role as national chairman; however, on August 3, 2011,

2835-662: The first vector based gene therapy trial for DMD in 2006. In 2007, MDA funded Adrian R. Krainer and his colleagues at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in Laurel Hollow , New York for the early-stage development of nusinersen . Nusinersen became FDA approved in 2016 as the first treatment for spinal muscular dystrophy (SMA). As of 2018, MDA had a total funding commitment of more than $ 58 million distributed among 312 research grants. By 2019, MDA supported 252 research projects worldwide, totaling

2898-436: The largest St. Patrick's Day fundraising initiative in the country. They provide customers with the opportunity to either round up their purchases or donate a specific amount, such as $ 1, $ 3, or $ 5. Customers can write their names on paper shamrocks, which are then displayed in stores to show support for MDA's mission to empower people with neuromuscular diseases to lead longer, more independent lives. MDA's Care Center Network

2961-495: The months of May through August. The entire camp staff are volunteer members and are required to interview and apply with good recommendations. The camp is offered at no cost to campers and their families; the cost of the camp for the campers and volunteers is covered by the many fundraisers the MDA does each year. Started in 2010, the MDA Muscle Walk is an annual 1 to 3.1 mile lap event held in over 150 communities across

3024-417: The most independent level possible. This may be achieved with use of adaptive equipment or the use of energy-conservation techniques. Occupational therapy may implement changes to a person's environment, both at home or work, to increase the individual's function and accessibility; furthermore, it addresses psychosocial changes and cognitive decline which may accompany MD, and provides support and education about

3087-699: The non-profit Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation was established by a group of citizens in Rockville, Maryland, where Stepanek had lived. In 2008, the We Are Family Foundation hosted the first annual international Three Dot Dash Just Peace Summit based on the message Stepanek offered in his book Just Peace . On October 21, 2008, the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park was dedicated in Rockville, Maryland , at an event attended by Oprah Winfrey , Nile Rodgers , Billy Gilman and others. Pepper Choplin set words from Stepanek's final peace speech to music, and

3150-552: The organization held its first summer camp. In 1980, American motorcycle manufacturer Harley Davidson became an MDA National Sponsor; in 1987 the MDA Ride For Life program began, a fundraising motorcycle ride held over Labor Day weekend. In 1986, oil and gas provider Citgo became a second national sponsor of the organization. In 1982, the MDA Shamrocks program launched in Grand Rapids, Michigan , and became

3213-460: The patient's medical history will help the doctor determine the type of muscular dystrophy. Specific muscle groups are affected by different types of muscular dystrophy. An MRI can be used to assess the white matter of the nervous system and measure the merosin levels in young boys. An absence of merosin in young boys will result with neurological deficits and changes in the white matter. Congenital muscular dystrophy includes several disorders with

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3276-578: The production of a protein called micro-dystrophin in patients' muscles. Advancements in Duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment have prompted MDA to lobby for newborn screening panels for early detection and treatment initiation. During National Boot Day, the MDA partners with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) to launch Fill the Boot fundraising events. These events help support research, care, and advocacy for families affected by muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases in

3339-465: The progression of the disease. Thus, for some of the diseases in MDA's program, the availability of a newborn screening program at the time of treatment availability presents the best opportunity for impacting optimal and potential lifesaving treatment outcomes." MDA supported the Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research and Education Amendments of 2013 (H.R. 594; 113th Congress) ,

3402-435: The quality of life in some cases. The cardiac problems that occur with Emery–Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) and myotonic muscular dystrophy may require a pacemaker . The myotonia (delayed relaxation of a muscle after a strong contraction) occurring in myotonic muscular dystrophy may be treated with medications such as quinine. Low-intensity, assisted exercises, dynamic exercise training, or assisted bicycle training of

3465-399: The rare disorder dysautonomic mitochondrial myopathy . His three older siblings died from the same illness. The condition was unknown until his mother was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease in 1992, after all four of the children had been born. Stepanek was a poet and speaker. He wrote six volumes of bestselling Heartsongs poetry books, and a collection of peace essays that also became

3528-497: The show was "good for the world and good for [Oprah]." During the final studio audience taping, Stepanek's mother and Oprah shared memories of Stepanek; they discussed his life story as told in the book Messenger book; and Oprah called him "a messenger for our times." In 2013, the National Catholic Partnership on Disability posthumously honored Stepanek with its Youth//Young Adult Leadership Award. At

3591-512: The show was known as the MDA Show of Strength . In early 2015, the organization announced it was discontinuing the show. On September 9, 2020, MDA executives announced plans to relaunch their annual MDA telethon with a new host, comedian Kevin Hart . Entitled The MDA Kevin Hart Kids Telethon , the new two-hour telethon was seen exclusively through participating social media platforms; the event

3654-532: The specific type of disorder. Many affected people will eventually become unable to walk and Duchenne muscular dystrophy in particular is associated with shortened life expectancy. Muscular dystrophy was first described in the 1830s by Charles Bell . The word "dystrophy" comes from the Greek dys , meaning "no, un-" and troph- meaning "nourish". The signs and symptoms consistent with muscular dystrophy are: The majority of muscular dystrophies are inherited ;

3717-682: The telethon for portraying those living with the disease as deserving pity rather than respect. On December 18, 2001, the MD CARE Act was signed into law in the US; it amends the Public Health Service Act to provide research for the various muscular dystrophies. This law also established the Muscular Dystrophy Coordinating Committee to help focus research efforts through a coherent research strategy. The [Muscular Dystrophy Association]( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscular_Dystrophy_Association ) (MDA)

3780-482: Was MDA's 70th Anniversary Show, hosted by entertainment TV journalists Nancy O'Dell and Jann Carl . The MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference is a prominent event that gathers over 2,000 professionals, including scientists and clinicians, specializing in neuromuscular diseases. The conference showcases research, fosters collaborations, and promotes the latest advancements in the field. It covers various aspects of research, from pre-clinical to clinical, and supports

3843-501: Was accompanied by a 10-hour Let's Play livestream , called Let's Play For A Cure, which featured DJ and producer Zedd , gaming personality missharvey and esports athletes. The livestream was a part of a week-long "streamathon", which featured esports stars playing games including League of Legends , Ro cket Lea gue , Fortnite , Call of Duty and Fall Guys . Following the Kevin Hart Kids Telethon

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3906-444: Was broadcast October 24, 2020, at 8 p.m. EDT. The special was a dual-charity event, with proceeds going towards both MDA and "Help From The Hart", an organization founded by the aforementioned new host of the program. Hart's charity announced that it will use its portion of funds raised to "support education, health and social needs programs targeting underserved communities and servicing youth through education scholarships." The telethon

3969-417: Was presented at the 2023 MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference, where discussions focused on opportunities to de-risk gene therapies, current barriers to development, collaborative frameworks, and data management. MDA supported the FDA's decision in 2023 to approve an experimental gene therapy developed by Sarepta Therapeutics that aims to slow the progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy by facilitating

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