Muscular Dystrophy Canada
Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) was founded in 1954 by a group of parents who had children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Now a national voluntary health organization with offices across Canada, MDC is dedicated to fighting over 40 different neuromuscular disorders. Muscular Dystrophy is characterized by progressive weakness and wasting of the voluntary muscles that control movement. The wasted muscle is replaced by fatty and connective tissue.
The association's first mandate is to fund medical research projects aimed at finding a cure for muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular disorders. Anyone who has been diagnosed as having a neuromuscular disorder may become a client and begin to benefit from the many direct services available. The equipment program helps people with the loan, purchase and general maintenance of necessary items such as wheelchairs. A chapter program offers peer support while members enjoy recreational, educational and fundraising activities. An extensive network of medical, government and support services contacts also ensures that all the client's needs are met.
The association conducts many fundraising events throughout the year, including the Muscular Dystrophy Labour Day Telethon (Jerry Lewis Labour Day Telethon in the US).