MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference starts on March 16

MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference starts on March 16

Note: This story has been updated March 6, 2025, to correct a quote from Mindy Henderson, MDA vice president of disability outreach and empowerment. The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is once again hosting its annual gathering, the MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference. The 2025 event will take place…

Early preventive heart treatment extends survival in DMD: Study

Preventive treatment with standard heart medications — when given before the onset of cardiac troubles — extends survival among males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), according to data from the U.S.-based Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking and Research Network, known as MD STARnet. However, despite finding such benefits with prophylactic,…

Kicking off fresh creative ventures through social media

Despite the significant health challenges I face as a person living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, I’ve come to realize that creativity can thrive in the most unexpected places. One such place is social media. My girlfriend, Amanda Yip, and I recently embarked on a short-term project with Blind…

FSHD progression requires me to lighten my music rig

I’ve played music since I was 5 years old. My first professional playing job was as an accordionist in a Polish polka band when I was 13. My accordion at the time was a full-size Excelsior 120 bass model that weighed about 35 pounds. My professional playing career took a…

Caregiving sometimes feels like walking a tightrope

My heart is walking a tightrope. I’m a 45-year-old wife to Jason and mother to our seven children: Lexi, 23, Max, 19, Chance, 17, Rowen, 16, Charlie, 14, Mary, 10, and Callie, 3. Three of our children, Max, Rowen, and Charlie, are living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This…