Member since 1981

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is DECA's most important social-business partner and has served on the National Advisory Board and Executive Committee since 1981.

Together, MDA and DECA have worked to:

• Help to fund research to find treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy and other debilitating muscle diseases.
• Help meet the special needs of young people and adults who suffer from debilitating muscle diseases.
• Utilize community service as a dynamic learning opportunity that supports classroom teaching, student achievement - and overall college and career readiness.

As the country's largest private-sector nonprofit sponsor of muscle disease research, MDA annually funds some 350 scientific grants worldwide. The Association is on the threshold of delivering treatments and cures for more than 40 muscle-wasting disorders that affect more than a million Americans, including nine forms of muscular dystrophy, Lou Gehrig's disease, spinal muscular atrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and other myopathies. MDA serves adults and children at 225 hospital-affiliated clinics nationwide, and offers an unparalleled program of medical and support services. In addition to research and education, the 200 local offices of MDA provide direct services such as support groups, orthopedic aids and MDA summer camps.