• MDA is the nation’s largest nongovernmental funder of scientific research seeking cures and treatments for the more than 40 neuromuscular diseases in its program.
  • MDA funds more than 300 research projects worldwide.
  • In 2011, MDA will spend almost $39 million on research.
  • MDA has the most comprehensive services program of any voluntary health agency in the U.S.
  • MDA supports approximately 200 clinics and some 40 specialized MDA/ALS centers.
  • MDA holds 80 summer camp sessions for some 3,500 kids with muscle disease.
  • MDA is the first nonprofit organization recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Medical Association.
  • What is muscular dystrophy? Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of genetic muscle diseases.
  • MDA’s Augie’s Quest initiative funds ALS TDI, the single-largest ALS drug discovery project in history.
  • MDA researchers identified the cause of a rare form of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
  • MDA clinics are staffed by top health professionals skilled in the diagnosis and medical management of muscle disease.
  • MDA partners with biopharmaceutical companies on translational research projects that turn basic science into practical and effective treatments.
  • MDA-funded research has led to the FDA-approved drug Myozyme, which today is saving the lives of children with Pompe disease (acid maltase deficiency).
  • The diseases under MDA's umbrella include disorders of muscle, nerve and the neuromuscular junction.
  • MDA funds innovative strategies being tested in human clinical trials.
  • MDA has funded the discovery of the genetic underpinnings of almost all diseases (we have more than 40) in its program.
  • MDA research holds the promises of minimizing symptoms, prolonging life and potentially reversing the course of diseases.
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Behind the Scenes

2011 MDA Telethon Extras - Billy Ray Cyrus
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2011 MDA Telethon Extras - Jordin Sparks
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2011 MDA Telethon Extras - Greyson Chance
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2011 MDA Telethon Extras - Richie Sambora
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2011 MDA Telethon Extras - Rootdown
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2011 MDA Telethon Extras - Interview with Aaron Bates
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2011 MDA Telethon Extras - Interview with Christin Bates
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2011 MDA Telethon Extras - Interview with the Kanak Family
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2011 MDA Telethon Extras - Penn & Teller
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2011 MDA Telethon Extras - Port Chuck
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Telethon

2011 MDA Telethon Segment - Augie Nieto
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2011 MDA Telethon Appeal - Ryan Seacrest
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2011 MDA Telethon Performance - Billy Ray Cyrus "Nineteen"
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2011 MDA Telethon Performance - Boyz II Men "One More Dance"
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2011 MDA Telethon Extras - Martina McBride "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
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2011 MDA Telethon Extras - Lady Antebellum "American Honey"
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2011 MDA Telethon - Darius Rucker & Abbey Umali "Come Back Song"
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