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.

Donate Now

Interested in helping to End Duchenne’s? We have several options to make this easy for you!

Donating to Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) is the answer.

To donate now, go to www.ParentProjectMD.org/2010SamDonate to help support Sam’s Day!  All donations benefit Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy whose 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. 

If you prefer to mail in a donation, feel free to print out and complete a donation form.  PPMD accepts Payment by Credit Card, from Bank Accounts or by Check.  Be sure to add in the addtional comments or instructions sections that this donation is for Sam’s Family Fun Day.  Then mail the form to Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, 158 Linwood Plaza, Suite 220, Fort Lee, NJ 07024.

Thank you for your donation!