Muscular Dystrophy Association
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| Abbreviation | MDA |
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| Formation | 1950 in New York, NY |
| Type | non-profit |
| Focus | patient services and disease research |
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Region
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United States |
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Key people
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Revenue
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$145.3 million (in 2015) |
| Slogan | For Strength, Independence & Life |
| Website | MDA |
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is an American organization which combats muscular dystrophy and diseases of the nervous system and muscular system in general by funding research, providing medical and community services, and educating health professionals and the general public. The organization was founded in 1950 by a group of concerned parents of children with muscular dystrophy. Originally known as the Muscular Dystrophy Associations of America, it was renamed to its present name in the 1970s.
Comedian and actor Jerry Lewis was the most popular and well known celebrity associated with MDA, whose work with the organization was known through his annual telethon that he hosted annually through 2010. Other celebrities and entertainers have supported the organization over the years, including Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Wayne Newton, Michael Jackson, Ed McMahon, Norm Crosby, Don Francisco, Aretha Franklin, Maureen McGovern and Diana Ross.
MDA's national office is in Chicago, Illinois.
The annual telethon, from 2012 to 2014 known as the MDA Show of Strength, was held on Labor Day weekend. Debuting in 1966, it was previously hosted by Lewis, who also served as the MDA's national chairman since its inception in 1950. In 2008, the annual Labor Day Telethon raised a record USD$65,031,393. In 2005, the MDA made the unprecedented decision to pledge $1 million of the Telethon's money raised to Hurricane Katrina disaster relief, making the donation specifically to the Salvation Army (though the Telethon also urged viewers to give to the American Red Cross). Originally broadcast for up to 21½ hours from 1966 to 2010, the event was cut back to six hours in 2011. The 2011 edition of the telethon was originally announced to have been Lewis' last as host, with him continuing his role as national chairman; however, on August 3, 2011, the MDA announced that Lewis resigned as host and chairman, due to circumstances not revealed.
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