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Muscular Dystrophy Association

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As the country's largest private-sector nonprofit sponsor of neuromuscular disease research, MDA annually funds some 400 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 with neuromuscular diseases at 240 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.

MDA Summer Camp Program

To help meet the special recreational needs of youngsters with neuromuscular diseases, MDA provides summer camping activities geared toward their needs and abilities. In 2005, MDA sponsored 90 week-long camp sessions in 42 states and Puerto Rico for more than 4,100 children and their one-on-one volunteer counselors.

For more information on MDA, go to www.mda.org.

Connect To Careers with
Muscular Dystrophy Association & DECA

Special Recognition of MDA by DECA:

	DECA's Partners for Excellence: Member
	National Advisory Board member since 1981
	25 Years of Service Award 2006

Objectives for Partnership:

	Promote civic activities and community involvement by DECA students
	Promote DECA's goals and MDA's cause
	Promote partnering between DECA chapters and local MDA offices to conduct special events to benefit MDA while creating opportunties to develop leadership and marketing skills
	Encourage DECA chapters to volunteer for MDA summer camps across the country

Partnership Activities:

	Sponsors the Community Service Project competitive event
	Hosts the Top MDA Fund-raising Chapters Recognition Breakfast at the International CDC
	Exhibits at DECA's International CDC
	Supports the appearance of the National DECA president (and representatives of the winning Community Service Project) on the MDA/Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon. The student representative(s) present a check(s) representing the money raised during the past school year for MDA by DECA chapters nationwide
	Encourages partnering of MDA and DECA chapters on the local/state levels
	Serves on the National Advisory Board Executive Committee
	International Conference sponsor
	MDA representatives present workshops at DECA Conferences
	Participated in the development of the position paper supporting Marketing Education/DECA: Essential Factors in Creating a Quality Work Force
	Facilitates award-winning recording artist Billy Gilman's performance at and participation in the International CDC.

Link to Muscular Dystrophy Association
DECA's National Advisory Board