Mary Chapman, features writer —

As part of an effort to heighten awareness of its work in research, treatment and care — as well as to raise funds — the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has proclaimed September MDA National Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month. The launch dovetails with World Duchenne Awareness Day, observed annually…

Online forums have markedly altered how patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals communicate and connect. Even when miles apart, individuals can establish supportive relationships, share experiences and information, and sometimes simply vent. Bionews Services, a leading online health, science and research publication company, has been rolling out its…

The nonprofit CureDuchenne has chosen veteran advocacy leader Erin Frey to become its first director of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) advancement efforts. In her official capacity as senior director of advocacy, Frey is charged with establishing relationships that promote CureDuchenne’s outreach, and connect Duchenne families and other…

Jiffy Lube has launched its 8th annual Muscle Up! campaign, which supports the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s (MDA) Summer Camp program as well as research and family services. Throughout August, Jiffy Lube patrons at participating service centers nationwide are encouraged to donate at least $3 to…

The Children’s Hospital of Richmond (CHoR), Virginia, has been named Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy’s (PPMD) 26th Certified Duchenne Care Center (CDCC). PPMD’s program, established in 2014, recognizes facilities with outstanding neuromuscular programs providing comprehensive care with recognized standards to all living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a multi-systemic…

Aiming to enhance patients’ lives, a team of University of Manitoba biomedical students has produced autonomous designs — including a wheelchair hand warmer for those living with muscular dystrophy (MD). The overarching goal during the University of Manitoba Biomedical Engineering Design (BMED) Team’s first year was…

Invitae has opened a program offering free genetic testing and post-test counseling to people suspected of having diseases that include muscular dystrophy (MD) under a partnership with pharmaceutical firms. The goal is to promote early diagnosis and treatment. The initiative, called Detect, targets disorders for which testing…

For more than 20 years, Robert (Bob) Bennett was a steadfast leader and supporter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). To honor his legacy, the Robert M. & Marjie A. Bennett Foundation has donated $500,000 to the Los Angeles-area MDA Summer Camp. Located in Orange County, Calif., the…

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has awarded Locana $550,000 through its MDA Venture Philanthropy (MVP) program to help advance the biotech company’s therapy platform for myotonic dystrophy (DM). Specifically, the grant to the San Diego, California-based gene therapy company is aimed at furthering the development of its RNA-targeting…

It’s been 15 years since Sailormen, a Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen franchise, first partnered with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) to enhance the lives of patients. It’s keeping at it, netting $681,015 in its latest efforts. The money was raised at the 15th Annual Sailormen MDA Golf Classic and the…