Since 1950, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, a nonprofit health agency, has been dedicated to combat neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, medical and support services, and public health education. MDA provides a wide variety of services, including diagnostic and follow-up, medical consultations, flu shots, support groups, summer camps for youngsters, a medical equipment program, assistance with equipment repairs, and resource referral. MDA scientists have uncovered the genetic defects responsible for several forms of Muscular Dystrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease), childhood spinal muscular atrophy, and several other neuromuscular conditions.
