About the MDA

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a voluntary health agency—a dedicated partnership between scientists and concerned citizens aimed at conquering 43 neuromuscular diseases that affect more than one million Americans. MDA supports more research on neuromuscular diseases than any other private-sector organization in the world. MDA scientists are at the forefront of gene therapy research and have uncovered the genetic defects responsible for several forms of muscular dystrophy, Charcot-Marie Tooth disease and ALS—more commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Locally, MDA offers comprehensive medical services at our Care Centers at University of Illinois at Chicago, Shriners Hospital for Children, Rush University Medical Center, Northwestern University, and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. We also host valuable support groups, an inspiring week of summer camp for children and young adults and maintains a loan closet for individuals to rent hospital beds, wheelchairs, hoyer lifts and more.

MDA does not solicit government grants, United Way funding or fees from those it serves.

Committee Members

Sponsorship

Click the link next to the sponsorship level you’d like to confirm via a secure online payment or click here to download a commitment form in PDF format. Please email the form to [email protected] or mail to 550 E. Boughton Road, Suite 230, Bolingbrook, IL. 60440.

Make a Donation

If you can't attend the event you can still make a tax-deductible donation to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Click the link below to donate via a secure online payment or click here to download a commitment form in PDF format. Please email the form to [email protected] or mail to 550 E. Boughton Road, Suite 230, Bolingbrook, IL. 60440.

MAKE A DONATION TO THE MDA >

Almost all funding comes from voluntary private donations raised throughout the year. The Association seeks no governmental funding, United Way funds or fees from those it serves. MDA is consistently rated one of the most efficient of national voluntary health agencies.

MDA is currently funding 177 research projects worldwide totaling to a commitment of $48 million, supporting more than 170 projects. The Muscular Dystrophy Association funds and supports over 150 MDA Care Centers across the country, including more than 35 MDA/ALS centers across the country. MDA Clinics are staffed by teams of top health professionals skilled at diagnosis and medical management of neuromuscular diseases. Services provided at MDA clinics may include occupational therapy, selected diagnostic tests, respiratory therapy and more.

MDA annually sponsors nearly 54 week-long summer camp sessions, serving more than 4,000 children across the country and in Puerto Rico. MDA’s equipment program accepts donations of gently used durable medical equipment and provides them to individuals with neuromuscular disease to enhance mobility, independence and quality of life.

Become a Volunteer

Volunteers are the driving force that enables MDA to accelerate its worldwide research program, and provide diagnostic and follow-up care through a nationwide network of over 150 MDA Care Centers. And, volunteers are the backbone of the Association's programs, helping with summer camp, support groups, seminars, special events and many other programs.

To volunteer or learn more about events in your local area, please email [email protected] or call (630) 598-0700.

MDA SUMMER CAMP

MDA-sponsored summer camps offer a wide range of programs for young people ages 8 to 17 who are affected by neuromuscular disease. Campers attend weeklong sessions organized by MDA volunteers and staff. Camp activities are geared to the abilities of campers, and may include fishing, swimming, horseback riding, boating, field hockey and baseball. Less physically demanding activities include arts and crafts, nature study, talent shows, cookouts and entertainment.

Volunteer counselors (who must be at least 18 years old) receive an orientation and training that includes wheelchair techniques, lifting and transfers, personal hygiene and emergency procedures. The primary responsibility of each counselor is to provide both physical and psychological support to their camper, thereby helping him or her enjoy camp. Medical staff are available throughout the week to meet any health care needs that may arise.

For more information or to purchase sponsorships contact Amanda Konopka [email protected] or call (630) 598-0700.