MDA Founded
MDA is founded, dedicated to seeking the cause and cure for muscle diseases.
MDA and the IAFF
1950
1953
Boston, MA Local 718
Boston, MA Local 718 member George Graney helps his friend, Charles Crowley – whose two sons had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – raise $5,000 for MDA.
1954
MDA Declared Charity of Choice
The IAFF declares MDA its charity of choice with a Convention resolution.
Poster Girl Bonnie Bazan
“Big News”
1955
Muscular Dystrophy March
1957
Fight Muscular Dystrophy
1966
First MDA Telethon
Jerry Lewis hosts the first MDA Telethon and becomes the National Chair for MDA.
1970
$1 Million Raised
IAFF members raise $1 million for MDA.
1974
Task Force on Drug Development
The MDA Task Force on Drug Development is established.
1980
$3 Million Raised
IAFF members raise $3 million for MDA.
1986
Duchenne Gene Discovered
MDA-funded scientists discover Duchenne gene.
1995
$10 Million Raised
IAFF members raise $10 million for MDA.
1996
First ALS Treatment
The FDA approves the first ALS treatment.
2004
$22 Million Raised
IAFF members raise $22 million for MDA.
Why Do You Fill the Boot for MDA?
2012
Telethon Changes Format
MDA changes the format of Labor Day Telethon – its flagship fundraising event – from a two-day marathon to a more modern six-hour production, “Show of Strength,” with high profile entertainment airing primetime on network television. The new format features a spotlight on the top fundraising IAFF locals.
2013
MDA Projects
MDA maintains 200 clinics, 250 research projects and summer camps for 2,600 kids.
2014
Clinical Trials
67 clinical trials are in progress.
60 Years of Partnership
The IAFF celebrates 60 years of partnership with MDA.
Ice Bucket Challenge
President Schaitberger accepts the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.
2016
MDA Summer Camp
100,000 members and 1,507 locals participate in Fill the Boot. More than 3,800 kids are sent to MDA summer camp at no cost to their families.
$24 Million Raised
IAFF members raise $24 million for MDA – total funds raised by the IAFF since 1954 reach more than $583 million as MDA’s largest national sponsor.
National Goodwill Ambassador
For the first time, MDA names a young adult – Joe Akmakjian – as its new National Goodwill Ambassador.
Approval for Eteplirsen
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration accelerates approval for eteplirsen, the first disease-modifying drug to treat the most common childhood form of muscular dystrophy.
2017
Three New Drugs Approved
Three new drugs for neuromuscular diseases are approved by the FDA.
Approval for Nusinersen
MDA celebrates the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision to grant approval for nusinersen (brand name Spinraza), the first disease-modifying drug to treat the most common genetic cause of death in infants.
Jerry Lewis Dies
Jerry Lewis, longtime MDA national chairman, dies on August 20 at the age of 91.
FDA Approves Deflazacort
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves deflazacort (brand name Emflaza), under development by Marathon Pharmaceuticals, to treat the most common childhood form of muscular dystrophy.
2018
More than $630 Million
Total funds raised by the IAFF since 1954 reach more than $630 million.
