Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)is an American nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases.

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 but is also perhaps known for its working relationship with comedian, entertainer and actor Jerry Lewis, its national chairman of 55 years, whom each year from 1966 to 2010, hosted his annual Labor Day-held telethon live.

The organization's headquarters is in Chicago, Illinois.