Muscular Dystrophy Association

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is an American nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. The organization was founded in 1950 by Paul Cohen, who lived with Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). MDA accelerates research, advances care, and works to empower families to live longer and more independent lives. MDA is also known for its working relationship with comedian and actor Jerry Lewis and his annual Labor Day telethon, broadcast live from 1966 to 2010, starting Sunday evening and continuing into Monday evening. The organization's headquarters is in Chicago, Illinois.