Support MD by sponsoring one of the many runners participating in Run Melbourne on Sunday 18th July. The most recent registrant is Alecka Patralakis daughter of Strathmore North Primary School Vice-Principal. 

 Click on link below to visit the site and make your donation.

PTC Therapeutics, Inc. and Genzyme Corporation announced preliminary results from the Phase 2b clinical trial of ataluren, an investigational new drug, in patients with nonsense mutation Duchenne/Becker Muscular Dystrophy (nmDBMD). The primary endpoint of change in 6-minute walk distance did not reach statistical significance within the 48 week duration of the study. Study results showed that ataluren was well tolerated and no clinical trial patients discontinued treatment due to an adverse event. Additional efficacy analyses are underway in patient subgroups. 

 ChallengeMD! 2010

Sunday 21st February saw the successful conduct of the second Run for Strength fun run.

The event has raised an amazing $46,562 and combined with the inaugural event has contributed $86,758 for MD Research.

Funds raised through Run for Strength will be dedicated to MD Research through the Muscular Dystrophy Research Foundation and scientists at the National Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre.

Click the link below to see the results and pictures from the day.

Melbourne Storm players take time out from their rigorous training schedule to meet with members of the MD community and to help promote “Run for Strength” at Albert Park Lake on Sunday 21st February.

Over 90 campers, carers and support staff from around Australia descended upon Camp Manyung in Mt Eliza to celebrate the week-long 76th National CampMDA.

MDA & Orchestra Victoria Partnership

An enduring partnership with Orchestra Victoria, NGV International and Muscular Dystrophy presents our annual event. 

Now is the time to order your Christmas Cards. MDA have a selection of contemporary personal cards, ideal for family, friends and business.

Your order will assist the MDA with the provision of support services, respite programs, information services and scientific research.

To view our samples or to download  an Order Form --->

MDA Annual Christmas Party 

A magical Christmas wonderland of fun that members of the MD Community, family and friends will never forget.

Triumphant Trekkers Return ChallengeMD! 2009 Nepal 

ChallengeMD! 2009 Trekkers retuned triumphant, having conquered the dizzy heights of Nepal and raised more research funds for MD Research through the Muscular Dystrophy Research Foundation in support of scientists at the National Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre.

An opportunity still exists to sponsor the supreme efforts of our Trekkers - to read about the challenge or to sponsor a Trekker, click on the following link...

Australian Open Garden Scheme 

On display as part of the Australian Open Garden Scheme, Su's Garden in Glen Iris will be open to the public 7-8th November 2009, between 10:00am and 4:30pm. Net proceeds are being donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

ChallengeMD! 2009 Nepal 

An opportunity to sponsor ChallengeMD! 2009 Trekkers is still available before they head of on the 16th October to trek Nepal.

Funds raised through this arduous event will be dedicated to MD Research through the Muscular Dystrophy Research Foundation and scientists at the National Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre.

To sponsor a Trekker, click on the following link...

Sunday 25th October 2009 the Ivanhoe Golf Course will play host to the Run For Strength Charity Golf Day.

A 10am Tee Off after paying a $50 registration fee to compete Ambrose with four players per group.

Trophies to the winning team.

Registrations to Sam 0416 199 927 or Ozi 0400 080 372

 In support of the Muscular Dystrophy Research Foundation

Champion boxers Kostya Tszyu, Barry Michael, Sam Soliman & Paul Briggs - have united in the FightMD Campaign.

Launched on Sunday 16th at Sam Soliman's "Return of the King" bout "Box on the Docks 6", the FightMD campaign has set the stage for MDA's national awareness campaign aimed at print and TV media.

MDA's Multilingual Information Service - Urdu

MDA has added more information on MD to its Multilingual Information Service.
The latest Fact Sheet on Ullrich Congenital MD has been expertly translated into: Urdu.

Beach2Border Cycle Challenge 2009

The Beach2Border Cycle Challenge was created by a group of social riders, keen to challenge themselves by riding from the beach at Port Melbourne, to the border of Victoria and NSW at Echuca/Moama.

In support of DMD Research at the NMDRC.

NAB Team Supports MDA  through the Great Ocean Walk.

A team building exercise to raise funds for the MDA.

Harley Raffle No. 46 and the Winner is!!!!!

Murray T. of Warragul Victoria - Ticket Number 10385.

Congratulations! Thank You to all all supporters who helped to make Harley Raffle No 46 a "Sell Out".

Nikon - MDA - FIFA World Cup Qualifier "What a combination!"

MDA was invited by NIKON to participate in the Field Photographer Program during the 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers on the hallowed turf of the MCG on 174th June 2009.  We have full details and a collection of photographs taken during the event in our Events section.

MDA's Multilingual Information Service - Turkish

MDA has added more information on MD to its Multilingual Information Service.
The latest Fact Sheet on Duchenne MD has been expertly translated into: Turkish.

MDA's Multilingual Information Service - Polish

MDA has added more information on MD to its Multilingual Information Service.
The latest Fact Sheet on Duchenne MD has been expertly translated into: Polish.

To order your copy of the 2009-2010 Entertainment Book follow the link.

MDA's Multilingual Information Service - Hindi

MDA has added more information on MD to its Multilingual Information Service.
The latest Fact Sheet on Duchenne MD has been expertly translated into: Hindi.

ChallengeMD! 2009 Nepal Information Night

Already registered? Interested to learn more about this exciting way to help fight MD?

Together with RAW Travel, MDA is hosting an information night at the MDA Centre on Tuesday 12th May 2009 at 6.30pm. Conatct MDA to RSVP on 03 9320 9555.

MD Calendar of Program Services & Events

An easy way to see what programs, services and events have been scheduled by the MDA. Click on the "What's On" logo or...

Announcement

ChallengeMD! 2009 Nepal 

We are excited to announce the next ChallengeMD! for 2009.

Previous participants have requested a change from cycling to trekking. So trekking it shall be, through the mountainous terrain of Nepal.

Australia's Biggest Book Group - Creates Volumes of Support for MD - 7 National News story 

7-Eleven together with MDA present Australia’s Biggest Book Group.

Would you like to be part of this year’s most sophisticated fundraising event?

More than 100,000 book enthusiasts are estimated to sign up to Australia’s Biggest Book Group, an all-new innovative and informal book club, which aims to raise more than $500,000 towards Muscular Dystrophy research and care in Australia.

Be part of the fun by joining Australia’s Biggest Book Group.

Details of this chic and classy event --> 

MDA's Annual Teachers' Seminar a big hit with teachers!

The annual Teachers Seminar saw a fantastic turnout from many schools, it was an innovative way to pass on a wealth of information regarding children affected by muscular dystrophy and their integration into the schooling system.

MDA's Annual Teachers' Seminar Fantastic Turnout!

The annual Teachers Seminar saw a fantastic turnout from many schools, it was an innovative way to pass on a wealth of information regarding children affected by muscular dystrophy and their integration into the schooling system.

Online Orders

Hales Institute in partnership with MDA presents "Flavours"

Hales Institute has been a leader in Education since 1920 and has partnered with MDA to present the "flavours" of diversity.

For more details of this exciting event and downloadable program (PDF) ---> 

MDA's Annual Teachers' Seminar on Muscular Dystrophy

Designed for teachers, integration aides and other school support staff who have a child affected by a neuromuscular disorder at their school.

Full Program and Registration available --->

Tour Duchenne - Event Launch Function

The Tour Duchenne launch will take place in Sydney's Cargo Bar in the evening of 4th March 2009.

Support the Riders and MD Research with your attendance.

Team Saxo Bank Gears Up to Raise awareness of Muscular Dystrophy in Tour Down Under

Adelaide, Australia, 20 January 2009 – Team Saxo Bank kicks off the season with the ProTour race Tour Down Under that starts today in Adelaide, and finishes on Sunday, January 25.

Team sponsor Saxo Bank, the specialist in online trading and investment, intends to use the opportunity to raise awareness of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. More...

MDA's Multilingual Information Service - Nepal

MDA has added more information on MD to its Multilingual Information Service.
The latest Fact Sheet on Duchenne MD has been expertly translated into: Nepalese.

MDA Harley Raffle No. 45 & the Winner is...

December 19th saw the draw of MDA's 45th Harley Raffle.

The winning ticket was drawn by Heavy Duty publishers and MDA sponsors Neale & Viv Brumby.

And the Winner is:  

Gavin G. - from Narre Warren-  Ticket No 6785

Another MDAutoBuy ticket subscriber!!

"Thank You" to all ticket buyers - Tickets in MD Harley Raffle No 46 will go on sale February 2nd 2009.

MDA's Annual Christmas Party

Rain did not dampen our spirits and a fantastic time was had by all who attended the Annual MDA Christmas Party.

Announcement

ChallengeMD! 2009 Great Ocean Walk

We are excited to announce the next ChallengeMD! Great Ocean Walk!

By popular demand and following the success of our first Great Ocean Walk.

Carla Bonner Visits the Home of MDA

Popular television actor, Carla Bonner from Neighbours, dropped in to visit the MDA and spent time with the Futures Program participants.

MDA Visits Gene Technology Centre

GTAC is a fantastic facility which devotes a lot of its time to research and teaching. MDA Staff and Futures visited the Centre.

The Home of MDA is now highly visible to 100,000+ daily commuters

New signage installed during National MD Awareness Month has made the Home of MDA even more visible to the masses.

ChallengeMD! has been a huge success for MD - Tour Duchenne was born to be bigger! 

ChallengeMD! has been a huge success for MD with OVER $1 Million raised to date from the rides through Vietnam, Cambodia and most recently, China.

Tour Duchenne was born during preparation for the Cambodian challenge by expat Aussie Julian Thompson, with the aim of the Tour raising $1 million for MD research, through one bike ride - Sydney to Melbourne in March 2009 where the National Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre and the Institute for Neuromuscular Research (in Sydney) research projects will benefit.

3 Days, 300 people Two Meetings - 7th AOMC and InformationMD! 2008 - Making a Difference  

Held over three days, the 7th Asian Oceanian Myology Centre (AOMC) Scientific Meeting,  the MDA's lay informatrion meeting InformationMD! 2008 and the INDAPS satellite meeting attracted over 300 people.

High quality presentations from leaders in their respective research fields added to the significant value experienced by  the audience members: lay and professional.

The ChallengeMD! Great Ocean Walk proves to be a huge success!

ChallengeMD! GOW 2008 saw 20 supporters trek along the recently opened Great Ocean Walk which spans 91km of spectacular coastal scenery, deserted wild beaches, sheer cliffs and historical lighthouses.

The first part of the challenge was to raise funds for MDA. And this was done in spectacular fashion with OVER $25,000 raised!

Concert by Orchestra Victoria for MD

The Great Hall, NGV International saw a capacity crowd exceeding 500 people attend the launch of MD Awareness Month to a free concert. 

Australian soprano Emma Matthews was joined by Orchestra Victoria in a special performance of ‘Philomele’s Aria’, the dramatic mad scene from Richard Mills’ The Love of the Nightingale, accompanied by a selection of enchanting Mozart arias. Led by Orchestra Victoria’s Principal Guest Conductor Marko Letonja, the exciting programme also included Prokofiev’s Sinfonietta and Berlioz’s virtuosic overture Le Carnival Romain.

Department of Justice Supports Muscular Dystrophy

MDA member Kim Jago works for the Department of Justice (DOJ) and has been a strong advocate for the work undertaken by the MDA.

A visit by the DOJ to the MDA Centre resulted in a cheque presentation.

St. Clare's Primary School in Thomastown West participated in a fundraising bike challenge as a sequel to last year's marvelous effort.

InformationMD! 2008 joins with the 7th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Asian Oceanian Myology Center

The MDA's annual information seminar InformationMD!  will be held concurrently with the Asian Oceanian Myology Centre Annual Scientific Meeting in Melbourne Australia 13th and 14th November.

Meet the experts, hear all about the latest clinical and scientific developments and join all delegates at the Official Dinner at the conference venue Langham on Southbank.

Places are filling quickly and only a small number remain. Don't miss this opportunity by delaying registration.

7th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Asian Oceanian Myology Center 13th-14th November 2008 Melbourne Australia

Melbourne will play home to the AOMC Meeting. 

This will be held concurrently with the MDA's annual seminar - InformationMD! 2008. 

ChallenegMD! Great Ocean Walk participant Ineke Struk, assisted by MDA's Vicki Cavalieros and MDA long-standing volunteer Sarah Good conducted a Trivia Night at the MDA Centre's Seminar Room in support of MDA.

ChallengeMD! Raises $1 Million

Since inception of ChallengeMD! with the Ride through Vietnam in 2006, followed by Cambodia in 2007 and having just returned from China, riders have generated over $1 Million for MDA.

This is a remarkable effort in fundraising terms and sheer physical effort in riding through harsh conditions of heat, humidity and often roads that are not fit for riding upon. Read about ChallengeMD! 2008 China.

MDA's Multilingual Information Service

MDA has added more information on MD to its Multilingual Information Service.
The latest Fact Sheet on Duchenne MD has been expertly translated into: Punjabi.

ChallengeMD Great Ocean Walk participant Marilyn Chong is holding a Halloween Dinner in support of the MDA.

Located at Forest Edge Restaurant in Gembrook, the dinner starting at 8pm on the 31st October will treat participants to a great night's festivities.

The Power of One is great however, the Power of Many has been said  "can move mountains" - join others in the helping to promote and advance the MD Cause through a strong, connected, community. Please consider joining our communities on Facebook  by clicking the link and becoming a member of this community.

Wheelchair and motorised scooter users are about to get a whole lot more power in The City of Darebin. See what MDA's Ray Jordan has done to infuelnce the outcome.

BOSCH Comes to the Rescue

As luck would have it, during the course of MDA's recent OperationMD ShortBreak long weekend at Wheelies' Rest, kids and carers were "left out in the cold" literally, when both hot water service units decided it was time to cease working.

While the kids enjoyed the opportunity of not having to shower, it was a far from perfect outcome, having both units fail simultaneously.

One quick phone call to BOSCH explaining our predicament, resulted in their Sales Manager making an instant decision to donate two BOSCH Hot Water Service units for MDA's Wheelies' Rest property.

MDA appreciates the quick and positive response made by BOSCH. It certainly “made our day”.

Living with Becker MD has provided Greg with a unique perspective on life. This perspective has been translated into T-Shirt design. Proceeds from the sale of Greg's T-shirts contribute to the NMDRC research effort.

The MDA is delighted to announce the launch of the latest MD Harley Raffle featuring absolutely stunning paint work by John Kral of Kral's Creations and Solid Wheels polished and chromed by Huntingdale Electroplating.

Early indicators tell us that ticket sales in this Raffle No 45 will be strong. So don't miss the opportunity to win this sensational bike, which drawn just in time for somebody to have a memorable Christmas present. 

Show your support of the MDA and put yourself in the draw to ride this unique Harley into 2009. More details and Order Form here...

Avant Card Supports Muscular Dystrophy Awareness

MDA are pleased to acknowledge the support of Avant Card - a progressive, dynamic advertising medium that has connected brands with people since 1992.

MDA's Multilingual Information Service

MDA has added more information on MD to its Multilingual Information Service.
The latest Fact Sheet on Duchenne MD has been expertly translated into: Sudanese Nuer.

MDA has experienced significant growth and as a result new Positions are available @ MDA.

With a significant increase in service provision and programmed activities conducted by the MDA, we are now "stretched to the limit" human resource-wise. We have several positions which require filling to enable us to continue to provide 1st class services and programs.

If you would like to be part of a dynamic, caring Team at MDA --->

ChallengeMD! Great Ocean Walk - Raise $950 and come experience what is destined to become one of the world's greatest hikes!

Opened in 2006, the Great Ocean Walk spans 91km of spectacular coastal scenery, deserted wild beaches, sheer cliffs, historical lighthouses and shipwrecks, giant mountain ash forests and abundant native wildlife.  It is destined to become one of the great walks of the world and it’s here right on our doorstep.

As we have reached maximum participation, registrations for the Great Ocean Walk have now closed. Thank you to all registrants for your support and fundraising.

MDA Neuromuscular Clinic at RCH forging ahead with Services and Research    

The Team @ RCH have been extremely busy working on exciting new projects for neuromuscular patients. New studies require the participation of young boys meeting certain eligibility criteria. Read about these latest developments --->

Dr Jason White, MDA's "second PhD student" returns to the NMDRC with Senior Appointment   

The early 1990s saw the embryonic days of the MDA's foray into funding research. In a move to expand research efforts, the MDA provided its second PhD scholarship to Jason White.

Following his PhD, Jason moved west to undertake significant research and in the ensuing period he recently returned back home to Melbourne.

To further expand MDA;s commitment to research, two additional PhD scholarships were awarded.

MDA Featured by IANS 

On the 16^th of March IANS will be the festival stage at 12:30 with an Italian cooking lesson featuring Chef Dario D’Agostino and MDA member Dominic Di Battista who is a student of Chef Dario D’Agostino.

MDA's Multilingual Information Service

MDA has added more information on MD to its Multilingual Information Service.

A new comprehensive guide on Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) has been expertly translated into: Spanish.

Aussie actor Nathan Phillips, visits MDA and spends time with the Futures program. 

MDA and Royal Children's Hospital, Neuroscience Centre Announce Significant Sponsorship of Patient Clinic.

The MDA and the Royal Children’s Hospital, Neuroscience Centre recently announced MDA’s significant sponsorship of clinical support services at the RCH.

This includes the sponsorship of a Neuromuscular Clinical Nurse Coordinator who will coordinate the fortnightly MDA Neuromuscular Clinic.

The MDA Neuromuscular Clinic is a multidisciplinary clinic which brings together relevant medical specialties, allied health therapists and other health professionals including direct support by Staff from MDA.

Learn more about preparing for attendance of the MDA Neuromuscular.

Aussie scientist awarded a $1 million research grant to develop innovative gene therapy tools for muscle-related diseases.

Dr Gregorevic commented, "I am very pleased to have been awarded the 2008 Pfizer Australia Research Fellowship. I hope that my research will lead to a better understanding of how muscle diseases develop and thereby help to develop new and effective therapies."

Network Seven News profiled Dr Gregorevic's work in a story on football legend Tom Hafey  with comments by Ryan Struk.

MDA Executive Director Interviewed on National TV's "Sunrise" Program for Newman's Own Foundation Donation

MDA Executive Director Boris M Struk has been recognised as a Paul Newman ‘unsung hero’ as part of the 2007 Newman’s Own Foundation $1 million grant program.

Paul Newman has donated $46,000 to help complete the extensions to the MDA’s holiday house, "Wheelies' Rest".

"Cost of Muscular Dystrophy" Report Launch - Parliament House Canberra

A new report commissioned by the Muscular Dystrophy Association has been released that shows the disease costs the Australian community an estimated $1.5 billion a year. The report, the first of its kind, was prepared by Access Economics and launched by Associate Professor John Gullotta, Chair of the AMA Public Health Committee at Parliament House, Canberra. The Cost of Muscular Dystrophy focuses on the prevalence of muscular dystrophy, the loss of life and well-being and the economic impact of the disorder.

ChallengeMD 2007 Cambodia Team Special Guest of Oz Ambassador


Ambassador Margaret Adamson hosted a special BBQ for the ChallengeMD 2007 Cambodia Team members prior to their departure for the "journey of a lifetime" across Cambodia.

UPDATED with Media Links.

25 Riders Depart to Participate in ChallengeMD 2007 Cambodia

Riders departed on Saturday 20th October, to pedal from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap in Cambodia in support of MD services and research.

Over $400,000 has been raised to date. To help spur the Riders along in the oppressive heat and humidity, in this significant effort for Muscular Dystrophy, we encourage you to log onto the ChallengeMD 2007 website and sponsor a Rider.

Your support will Make a Difference! 

MDA's Multilingual Information Service

MDA has added more information on MD to its Multilingual Information Service.

A new comprehensive guide on DMD has been expertly translated into: Arabic available here.. and Respiratory Issues in Greek available here..

MDA's Multilingual Information Service

MDA has added more information on MD to its Multilingual Information Service.

A new comprehensive guide on DMD has been expertly translated into: Portuguese available here.. and Spanish available here..

MD Benefits from Mackay  "Skilled Golf Day"

Mackay Golf Club played host to the Skilled Muscular Dystrophy Golf Day.

Paddy Pope, chief instigator and organiser, with the magnificent support of many friends and colleagues, ensured that the Skilled Golf Day was a real hit with players.

Feedback from the public and members of the MD community is always welcome, as it assists us to gauge the effectiveness of our programs and services. We use feedback as a tool to tailor services more keenly and to ensure that we are on the right path addressing the communities’ needs, whether it is in response to a respite activity or fundraising event.

Orchestra Victoria entertained an audience exceeding 500 people in the magnificent surrounds of The Great Hall.

Maestro Marko Letonja conducted a program from the Americas including Aaron Copland's Clarinet Concerto, George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and Alberto Ginastera’s Dances from Estancia.

Connex has been a regular supporter of the CampMDA program and recentlyy provided two special trains to transport Campers to various activities around Melbourne.

Musicians4MD Getting together to Fight MD for MD

ChallengeMD! 2007

Wheelies' Rest

The MDA recently purchased a fully accessible holiday house to further enhance its ability to deliver services to the national MD Community.

Visit the Wheelies' Rest site or --->

 Raffle 41 2007 Fat Boy

Support MD & Buy a Pack of Christmas Cards

When you purchase a pack of either Traditional or Contemporary Christmas Cards you are supporting the 1 in 1,000 people in the community affected by MD.

Click here to see the range of cards available.

And why Flinders Street Station?

MDA's annual seminar was a huge success. Proceedings were captured on broadcast quality video and a professional suite of DVD are available for purchase. Contact the MDA on 03 9320 9555 to order your copy. Click here to view Program Details

The Costa Brothers, forced to crawl from a shopping centre to their car, have settled with retail giant Westfield. Forcing a change in the retailer's policy and directing a donation to the MDA. More...

Find out about the MDA's program and the impact that research has had on two students. More...

Click here for further details and Registration process.