Muscular Dystrophy Association

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a nonprofit organization doing business in the Greater Phoenix area. I posed ten questions to a representative of the Muscular Dystrophy Association in an effort to familiarize Phoenix area residents with the organization. Here are the responses I received.

What is the name of the organization?

Muscular Dystrophy Association ("MDA")

How long has the organization been operating in the Phoenix area?

MDA was established in 1950

Does the organization serve a particular geographic area?

The Greater Arizona Chapter of MDA serves Phoenix, Yuma, and Northern Arizona

Who is most likely to benefit from services provided by the organization?

Clients of MDA: Individuals affected by any one of the 43 neuromuscular diseases.

Are there requirements or prerequisites for people to access your services?

Your local MDA office, one of more than 200 nationwide, is available to serve anyone with one of the neuromuscular diseases in the Association's program.

Three things about the MDA that people might not know.

1. As late as 1950, very little was being done to combat neuromuscular disease. In that year, a small group of parents whose youngsters had muscular dystrophy decided to do something about this, and MDA was formed. Those parents firmly believed that there was no incurable diseases, only diseases for which no treatments have yet been found. That basic philosophy has animated MDA ever since. Since its earliest days it has been energized by its number-one volunteer and national chairman, entertainer Jerry Lewis.
2. Last year, MDA provided $140 million in research, medical clinics, support groups, and summer camp for adults and children with neuromuscular diseases, dedicating 77.4 cents of every dollar it spends to services. MDA is the first nonprofit recognized by the American Medical Association with a Lifetime Achievement Award "for significant and lasting contributions to the health and welfare of humanity."
3. Some 4,000 children with neuromuscular disorders annually enjoy a camp adventure at MDA's 89 week-long summer camp sessions, at no cost to their families. Each camper is accompanied by a volunteer counselor who provides the care, supervision and attention children with muscle-wasting diseases need. The 2007 Arizona MDA summer camp at Camp Shadow Pines had over 90 MDA children and young adults attend camp.

What is the local address?

10235 S. 51st Street, #195
Phoenix, AZ 85044

What is the local phone number?

480-496-4530

What is the URL of the local web site?

www.mda.org

Any other comments?

MDA in Phoenix holds several fundraising events throughout the year and seeks active community participation and philanthropy for optimal event success. MDA is fortunate to have a generous community spirit in Phoenix and, as a result, supports more than 1050 residents affected by muscular dystrophy in the Greater Phoenix area.

MDA's largest fundraiser of the year, The Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, is broadcast Labor Day Weekend, live on MDA's Phoenix "Love Network," KTVK Channel 3. It is well-known for its entertainment, celebrity guest appearances, comedic presence, and enthusiasm towards the quest to cure neuromuscular diseases.

Other annual Phoenix MDA fundraisers include The MDA Arizona Diamondbacks Broadcast Auction (August), Telethon Executive Lock-Up (August), Fill-the-Boot (thanks to the International Association of Fire Fighters), Aisles of Smiles (in participating local grocery stores), and Walk-A-Thon. With over 1050 families served by MDA in the Greater Phoenix area, please look for and contribute to these events in your communities in order to continue to aide local individuals with muscular dystrophy.

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