Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is a dedicated partnership between scientists and concerned citizens aimed at conquering neuromuscular diseases that affect more than a million Americans.

 

MDA is the source for news and information about neuromuscular diseases, research, and services for adults and children with neuromuscular diseases and their families. MDA combats neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and community services, and far-reaching professional and public health education.

 

Contact Information
Muscular Dystrophy Association, Minnesota Chapter
7401 Metro Blvd.
#325SP
Edina, MN 55439

Telephone: (952) 896-6226
Fax: (952) 896-6290
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web site: www.mdausa.org

About Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular Dystrophy refers to a group of genetic diseases characterized progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles that control movement. The more than 40 neuromuscular diseases addressed include Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy, which occurs early in childhood at ages 2-6 and ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease), which is diagnosed in adults.

 

Some cases are mild and progress slowly during a normal lifespan. Other cases have a quick progression of muscle weakness, functional disability, and loss of the ability to walk.

 

Facts and Figures
Approximately one million individuals in the United States are affected by a neuromuscular disorder. Of those individuals, 250,000 individuals are affected by a form of muscular dystrophy.



Resources for Individuals and Caretakers
Muscular Dystrophy Association, Minnesota Chapter offers a wide variety of resources for persons with Muscular Dystrophy and their caretakers. Those resources include: 

 

Employee/Individuals Resources

  • Initial diagnosis and follow-up care.
  • Therapy: Physical, occupational, respiratory, and speech. 
  • Genetic counseling. 
  • Equipment loan and purchase assistance:
    o Assistance with the purchase of wheelchairs and leg braces, as well as annual repairs.
    o An equipment pool offering selected recycled equipment at no cost.
    o MDA has gently used equipment that can be loaned out and returned when it is no longer needed. 
  • Assistance with payment of selected MDA clinic services not covered by private or public insurance plans or other community resources.
  • Support groups across the state for families, adults, and specific diseases.
  • MDA summer camps at Camp Courage and YMCA Camp Miller.
  • Awareness Conference held annually for patients, families, and the community.
  • Family holiday party.
  • Educational materials including brochures, pamphlets, and audiovisual materials on neuromuscular disease and care giving.
  • Bi-monthly national magazine: Quest

 

Caregiver Resources

  • Support groups across the state for families, adults, and specific diseases.
  • Awareness Conference held annually for patients, families, and the community.
  • Bi-monthly national magazine: Quest

Resources for Employers and Communities
Muscular Dystrophy Association, Minnesota Chapter offers the following resources for employers and the community at large:

 

Employer Resources

  • Presentations: Information about neuromuscular diseases. 
  • Provide speakers on neuromuscular diseases to health professionals and schools.
  • Health fair participation.

 

Community Resources

  • Provide speakers on neuromuscular diseases to health professionals and schools.
  • Awareness Conference held annually for patients, families, and the community.