Today is: Friday, September 3rd, 2010

Helping Jerry's Kids.

Michael DeBakey, Renowned Surgeon and Friend of MDA, Dies at Age 99

World-renowned heart surgeon Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, a longtime volunteer leader of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, died on July 11 at age 99 in Houston.

Good News from Capitol Hill for People with Progressive Muscle Diseases Who Use Medicare

On July 9, the Senate handily passed the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act. (The Act already had been passed by a large majority in the House.) In addition to quashing a proposed reimbursement cut for doctors who treat Medicare patients, the Act delays implementation of the controversial national competitive bidding program, designed by CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) to go into effect this summer.

ALS Claims Nancy O’Dell’s Mom

The mother of popular television host Nancy O'Dell, Betty Humphries, passed away over the weekend from complications of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). She was 74.

Miller Lite Bottle Caps Equal Cash for MDA This Summer

Miller Brewing Company will donate 10 cents to MDA for every Miller Lite bottle cap collected through Sept. 1 as part of the brand's 'Better. Bolder. Summer.' promotion.

New Law Supported by MDA Prohibits Genetic Discrimination

A new law signed yesterday by President Bush is good news for Americans who have refused to take genetic tests because they feared the results might be used against them by their employer or insurance company.

Access Hollywood’s O’Dell Teams with MDA ALS Division – Mother’s Battle Leads Her to the World Leader in ALS Research, Services

Popular newsmagazine show host Nancy O'Dell has joined MDA's efforts to find treatments and a cure for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's disease).

Special ALS Chats in May to Feature Guest Experts

As part of ALS Awareness Month, MDA will host three special Internet chats with guest experts in topics relating to the disease.

MDA Activities Focus Attention on National ALS Awareness Month

Throughout the month of May, the Muscular Dystrophy Association will highlight the 17th annual national ALS Awareness Month by hosting events in communities across the country and disseminating information about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease.

Legendary R and B Performer Fights Illness, Raises Funds for MDA

Will Downing, a singer and songwriter whose vibrant baritone has captivated R and B and contemporary jazz fans for two decades, is emerging from convalescence with a new outlook on life and a commitment to helping others.

Artwork by Marietta Artist Accepted into MDA Art Collection

An oil painting by Norma J. Margeson of Marietta, Ga., has been accepted into the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Art Collection. Now in its 16th year, the Collection features artwork by people from across the country with neuromuscular diseases.

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  • Telethon

    The Telethon is the single most important fund raising event of the year for MDA. In 2009, $403,267 was raised statewide Alaska during the two day broadcast carried on KTUU, Channel 2 in Anchorage and KTVF, Channel 11 in Fairbanks. Funds raised help the Association carry on its fight against over 40 neuro-muscular diseases, including a worldwide program of basic and applied research, a nationwide network of comprehensive medical and support services, and extensive professional and public education. Children and adults with neuro-muscular diseases benefit directly from dollars raised during the Telethon.

  • Research

    MDA is the world's largest non-governmental sponsor of research seeking the causes of and effective treatments for neuro-muscular diseases, sponsoring some 400 research projects annually.

  • MDA Worldwide

    MDA has long had a worldwide impact. Since 1951, MDA has funneled almost $50 million to researchers in 36 countries on six continents. And many times that amount has been awarded in MDA research grants in the United States.