About Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) is a national nonprofit organization founded in 1994 by parents of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.  Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common lethal genetic disorder diagnosed during early childhood, affecting approximately 1 out of every 3,500 boys and 20,000 babies born each year.  The organization’s mission is to improve the treatment, quality of life and long-term outlook for all individuals affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy through research, advocacy, education and compassion.  PPMD is the largest grassroots organization in the U.S. entirely focused on Duchenne muscular dystrophy.  It is headquartered in Midddletown, Ohio with offices in Fort Lee, New Jersey.

Typical Progression of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Many parents do not recognize early signs of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) because their son’s movements only appear slower or a bit more labored than those of other children.  Typically boys diagnosed with DMD lose their ability to walk between the ages of 10 and 14.  These boys will lose most of their upper body strength, including the ability to move their arms, by their late teens.  Also during their teenage years, young men with DMD will need respiratory support at night.  Over time, their respiratory systems will weaken and they will require more constant support.  Medical data suggest that young men with DMD survive only into their 20s.

For more information, please visit Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy: Stages of Duchenne.

October 24, 2009 – Fifth Annual Sam’s Day to End Duchenne Benefiting Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy

Sam’s Family Fun Day is an opportunity to help raise funds to benefit the research programs of Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy and to help kids of all ages learn about muscular dystrophy and living with disabilities. Our goal is to help give kids with Duchenne muscular dystrophy a chance to do the things that kids are supposed to do.

Sam’s Day was started in 2005 by friends of Sam Killian. Sam is a 7 year old boy from Rockwall, TX that was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in 2005. Since 2005, Sam’s Day has raised over $250,000, all of which has gone directly to funding a cure for Duchenne. With your support, we are having an impact on this disease, and how it affects the 150,000 boys around the world with Duchenne MD.

Please visit our fundraising page: www.ParentProjectMD.org/Sam5

When: Saturday, October 24, 2009 10:00am til 2:00pm

Where: Flagpole Hill at White Rock Lake (Map) – Google Map

Activities: Bounce house, Rock Climbing Wall, Obstacle Course, Fast Pitch, Slide, Games2U Gaming Truck, Hamster Ball, Lazer Tag, Face painters, Magicians, Stilt Walkers, Train Rides, and a NASCAR legends racer

Sam’s Day entertainment provided by Games 2U!

Food: Chic-fil-a, hamburgers, hot dogs, and ALL the fixins, shaved ice and cotton candy.

Sam’s Day is Open to the Public!

Click HERE to start your own fundraising page for Sam’s Day!

Unable to attend the event but still want to help?

September 26, 2009 – Coach to Cure MD

On September 26, 2009, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) will once again join forces for Coach to Cure MD, a one-day, nationwide event designed to raise awareness about Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Click here to learn more about Coach to Cure MD.