Muscular Dystrophy Association

This #Thanksgiving, we pause to reflect on the power of gratitude.??? MDA National Ambassador Ira Walker shares what he is thankful for this year: the support, resources, and hope that have brought peace to his family. His message reminds us of the many ways kindness and care can uplift us through life’s challenges.? Watch Ira’s heartfelt message as we celebrate the spirit of gratitude and reflect on the strength that comes from connection and community.?? Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful and happy Thanksgiving.? Join us in spreading hope and support to families like Ira's.

National Football League (NFL) players are stepping onto the field weeks 13 and 14 with purpose, wearing custom-designed cleats for the 8th annual #MyCauseMyCleats campaign. Leading the charge for Muscular Dystrophy Association is 2024 National Spokesperson and Cleveland Browns running back Nyheim Hines, joined by Raheem Blackshear and Nick Scott of the?Carolina Panthers, all united in raising awareness for MDA’s mission to empower families affected by muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 related neuromuscular diseases. “The My Cause My Cleats campaign highlights the incredible impact of shared stories and collective action, and we couldn’t more proud to see the Muscular Dystrophy Association represented this year,” said Morgan Roth, MDA’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Nyheim Hines is not only our National Spokesperson but he is also part of the MDA family, with a personal connection to our mission through his loved ones. Joined by Raheem Blackshear and Nick Scott, these players are turning their platforms into powerful tools for awareness and support. We’re honored to stand alongside them in the fight against neuromuscular diseases.” ? Donate now to fuel groundbreaking research, critical care, and essential resources for thousands of people living with neuromuscular disease: https://lnkd.in/epuziDEi #GivingTuesday #MCMC #Nonprofit #Philanthropy #Partnership

????I’m thrilled to share the?Holiday Issue of Quest Magazine! This edition is packed with?tips and insights?to make your holiday entertaining a breeze and provide guidance to navigate this busy and often tricky time of year for families living with neuromuscular diseases. From heartwarming stories to practical advice, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you're looking for holiday recipes, adaptive gift-giving ideas, or ways to create a welcoming environment for everyone at your gatherings, Quest has you covered. Dive in and let this issue be your companion for a joyful, stress-free holiday season. Because at?Muscular Dystrophy Association, we believe every family deserves to celebrate in style and comfort.? ? ???Read the latest issue here:?https://lnkd.in/g2_zeTYN ???Subscribe for FREE here:?https://lnkd.in/ekUh4YgA ? Let’s make this season one to remember! What are your favorite holiday traditions? Share them below!??? ? #QuestMagazine #HolidaySeason #DisabilityInclusion ?

As we approach #Thanksgiving, we extend our gratitude to our partners at the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) for their ongoing dedication to #FillTheBoot, supporting our mission year-round for 70 years. Every dollar raised as boots are filled provides crucial funding for life-saving research, care, and advocacy for families living with by #MuscularDystrophy, #ALS, and over 300 related #neuromuscular diseases. Thank you, fire fighters!

?? 7 Days Until Giving Tuesday! ?? This #GivingTuesday, let's come together as a #LightofHope for the neuromuscular disease community. This year, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has received $144,000 in Challenge Funds that will double the impact of any gift you give as part of this global wave of generosity. That’s twice the groundbreaking research. Twice the leading-edge care. Twice as much empowerment for people striving to live life to the fullest!??? Donate by midnight on December 3 and make twice the impact. Get a head start on Giving Tuesday, you can also give right now.??? Every gift counts. Be the light that makes a difference!?? ?? MDA.org/Holiday?

This #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth, we recognize Lexi, who embodies the strength and love it takes to balance the roles of spouse and caregiver.? ?? Lexi and her husband, Justin, have been married for five years and are raising their energetic two-year-old son. As Justin navigates life with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, Lexi’s role goes beyond being a supportive partner—she also provides care, advocacy, and emotional support.?? ?? Balancing the responsibilities of wife and caregiver isn’t easy, but Lexi faces these challenges with resilience and love. Through #MDA, she has found the resources and connections that help her manage this dual role.?? ?? This month, we honor caregivers like Lexi, who give so much of themselves to care for the people they love. Find support and resources for caregivers at MDA.org/caregivers

Thank You for an Incredible Breakthroughs in Muscular Dystrophy Conference! We are deeply grateful to all the researchers, clinicians, industry partners, and attendees who made this year's conference a remarkable success. The breadth and depth of scientific advancement shared over these days has been truly inspiring. This conference highlighted extraordinary progress in the field, from groundbreaking clinical trial results to innovative therapeutic approaches. We saw encouraging data from multiple gene therapy trials, bringing hope to patients and families affected by #Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The presentation of novel delivery technologies, from engineered AAV capsids to ultrasound-mediated approaches, demonstrated our field's commitment to overcoming current therapeutic limitations. Particular appreciation goes to our keynote speakers, Drs. Carsten B?nnemann and Louis Kunkel. Over the course of 1.5 days, we learned about: - Next-generation gene editing technologies - Advanced delivery systems - Novel therapeutic approaches - Disease mechanism insights - Improved preclinical models The progress shared at this conference gives us great optimism for the future of #musculardystrophy treatment. Thank you all for your dedication to advancing this critical field of medicine! Muscular Dystrophy Association

Empowering the next generation of leaders! Muscular Dystrophy Association National Ambassador Leah J. Zelaya and her parents Jamie and Bevi, recently visited Henry Viscardi School, joining Dr. Chris Rosa, President & CEO of The Viscardi Center and proud MDA Board Member, to inspire rising juniors and seniors who have demonstrated exceptional leadership. Leah shared her story of determination and ingenuity, reminding students that no matter the challenges they face living with disabilities, resilience and creativity can open doors to endless possibilities. Dr. Rosa not only led a heartfelt discussion about overcoming challenges and embracing gratitude as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday but also gave an in-depth tour of Henry Viscardi School ant The Viscardi Center. He shared the rich history and sheer determination of Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr., the trailblazer behind this remarkable institution. For decades, The Viscardi Center has been a leader in the disability inclusion movement—values that deeply align with MDA's mission of empowerment and inclusion. ? We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with such talented and driven students. Together, we are building a more inclusive and empowered future. #MDA #Leadership #Gratitude #Inclusion #DisabilityAdvocacy ? ?? by aaron tomlinson

We're thrilled to announce that the Muscular Dystrophy Association's #AccessibleAirTravel campaign has won the Gold Honor at the 9th Shorty Impact Awards in the Call-to-Action category! This recognition is awarded to purpose-driven campaigns that drive positive change and make the world a better place. Learn more about our campaign here: https://lnkd.in/gMVVEZiS This campaign was instrumental in creating awareness and taking action to ensure that the most significant improvements in air travel in the past 40 years were passed and signed into law in the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization. This campaign sparked a powerful movement, advocating for greater inclusion of people with disabilities. We want to especially thank the advocates who made this possible, including Madison Lawson and Mindy Henderson, for bravely sharing their real-time travel experience to capture this moving video. This victory wouldn't have been possible without the leadership of Paul Melmeyer and the dedicated #MDA #Advocacy team, as well as our talented #Marketing and #Communications teams.?We are grateful to our partners at Strategic Elements and MikeWorldWide for their invaluable support. Your contributions have been integral to our success. Together, we're making air travel more accessible for all!

This afternoon, Muscular Dystrophy Association is hosting a Congressional briefing on the Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act. This briefing features MDA Advocacy's Director of Access Policy Joel Cartner, Esq. and #neuromuscular community advocates. MDA family members Randy and Tracy Parlier and daughter Lily, will be joined by Matt Marks from The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, alongside Alyce Norcross, MPH of Boston Children's Hospital. This contingent will be sharing with Congressional staff why this critical bill is essential for children living with a neuromuscular disease and their families as they navigate the challenges that come with obtaining care for their children across state lines. You can help us move this bill forward too! In just a few clicks, you can send a message to your senator and urge them to ensure that children living with a neuromuscular disease and their families can access the care they need without unnecessary delays. TAKE ACTION: ?? https://lnkd.in/gRQPrwWF?