Muscular Dystrophy Association

MDA is leading the fight to free individuals — and the families who love them — from the harm of muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases that take away physical strength, independence and life. We use our collective strength to help kids and adults live longer and grow stronger by finding research breakthroughs across diseases; caring for individuals from day one; and empowering families with services and support in hometowns across America.

For Families, By Families

Families are at the heart of MDA's mission. A caring and concerned group of families started MDA in 1950, and we continue to relentlessly pursue our promise to free families from the life-threatening effects of muscular dystrophy and muscle-debilitating diseases today. Read more about MDA's journey and the progress we've helped make possible.

Learn how you can fund cures, find care and champion the cause at mda.org.

At MDA, we are working to change that and free the incredible families we serve from the devastating effects of these diseases so they can live longer and grow stronger. We do this in three ways:

• We fund research across diseases to accelerate treatments and cures.
• We care for kids and adults from day one so they get the very best treatment.
• We empower families with services and support in hometowns across America to help them thrive and stay independent.

MDA - Our Impact

Providing Help and Hope

If you or someone you love is affected by muscular dystrophy, ALS or related muscle-debilitating diseases, please know you’re not alone. MDA stands alongside our families in our communities to assist and empower the kids and adults we serve. We care for kids and adults from day one so they get the very best treatment. And, we empower families with services and support in hometowns across America to help them thrive and stay independent, including summer camps for kids, support groups, equipment assistance and more.

MDA Summer Camp

Every year, MDA Summer Camp provides thousands of kids with muscular dystrophy and related muscle-debilitating diseases “the best week of the year.” It's a place where anything is possible and where kids can live beyond limits and without barriers for at least one week out of the year. 

MDA uses every dollar we raise wisely to ensure it has the greatest impact in the fight to end muscular dystrophy. We strive to provide you with transparency and clarity around how contributions make a difference and how MDA is supporting your community. Learn more below.

Young Adult Programs

We believe in the incredible talents and futures of young adults with neuromuscular diseases. Through our peer-led initiative, we are committed to supporting you through resources, community building, and programming as you move from high school, to higher education and employment, and pursue your independent living goals.