Muscular Dystrophy Canada

Since 1954, Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) has been the leading health charity for the neuromuscular community in Canada. We represent over 50,000 registered individuals including those affected by neuromuscular disorders themselves, family members/caregivers, healthcare professionals, and researchers.

Our Mission is to enhance the lives of those impacted by neuromuscular disorders by continually working to provide ongoing support and resources while relentlessly searching for cures through well-funded research.

We support individuals affected by neuromuscular disorders by investing in research, delivering critical programs and services, and challenging the public policy. Our services and programs include funding equipment and assistive technologies to improve daily life, hosting family and caregiver retreats, providing emotional and educational support, shared decision-making supports, and providing access to vital resources and support systems. MDC works directly with decision-makers at all levels of government to advance policy to enhance equal access to health and community supports, as well as, timely and affordable access to diagnosis and treatments/therapies. We invest in clinical and translational research that leads to a better understanding of diagnosis and disease progression, support the discovery of novel treatments, advance treatment, and clinical care, and amplify and accelerate knowledge. Such investments in research have enabled a pan-Canadian network, the Neuromuscular Disease Network for Canada, which is raising clinical and research standards of care – contributing to clinical trials, biobanks, patient-oriented research, and knowledge mobilization. This partnership has allowed us to further ensure Canadians affected by neuromuscular disorders and their families have the right resources and supports to manage the unique challenging situations that come with the rare disease experience and achieve the best possible outcomes. We provide services in both English and French.