Our Mission

DIY Fundraising to End Duchenne raises funds to support Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy’s mission to end Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a fatal genetic disorder that slowly robs people of their muscle strength. Those with Duchenne are truly in a race against time as their muscles deteriorate further each day. When you join the fight by creating your own DIY Fundraising to End Duchenne event, you are supporting PPMD’s vital work in advancing research, care, and advocacy to help those with Duchenne live longer, stronger lives.

How does DIY (Do It Yourself) Fundraising to End Duchenne work?

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) has all the tools to make your DIY Fundraising to End Duchenne easy and successful! From small events at a local bar, to full scale galas and live auctions, the PPMD team will help make your ideal fundraising event a reality. You know your community best and we want to help you host something that is both impactful and fun. Contact us or complete our interest survey for more information on how to get started.

Thank you for joining the fight. Together we will end Duchenne!

What is Duchenne?

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne) is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, affecting approximately 1 in every 5,000 live male births (about 20,000 children are diagnosed with Duchenne globally each year). Because the Duchenne gene is found on the X-chromosome, it primarily affects males; however, it occurs across all races and cultures.

Duchenne results in progressive loss of strength and is caused by a mutation in the gene that encodes for dystrophin. Because dystrophin is absent, the muscle cells are easily damaged. The progressive muscle weakness leads to serious medical problems, particularly issues relating to the heart and lungs. People with Duchenne typically live into their late twenties.

Who is Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy?

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) fights every single battle necessary to end Duchenne. We are the only nonprofit organization in the United States that takes a comprehensive approach to address the full impact and progression of Duchenne.

We invest deeply in treatments for this generation of Duchenne patients and in research that will benefit future generations. Our advocacy efforts have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding and won two FDA approvals. We demand optimal care standards and ensure every family has access to expert healthcare providers, cutting edge treatments, and a community of support. We attack Duchenne from all angles, using every single weapon in our arsenal the greatest of which is you.

Everything we do—and everything we have done since our founding in 1994—helps those with Duchenne live longer, stronger lives. Your ongoing support gives us the resources we need to have the greatest impact. Every single dollar we raise strengthens this impact.

Our Impact

The Impact You Help PPMD Make

PPMD has been at the forefront of advancements in care and treatments for Duchenne. We take a cutting-edge approach to accelerate finding treatments that will end Duchenne for every single person impacted by the disease.

We have invested in nearly every single therapy currently in development —from those in their early stages to those in clinical trial. We have funded over $50 million into innovative research that will make an impact across the disease, and helped leverage over $500 million more to advance all research strategies in the Duchenne pipeline.

PPMD  will not rest until we end Duchenne for every single person affected by the disease.