Muscular Dystrophy Canada Receives Global Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Patient Group Award

-  STRIVE Awards Program Recognizes Excellence and Innovation in the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Community

TORONTO, Sept. 7, 2018 /CNW/ - Muscular Dystrophy Canada is pleased to announce that it will receive one of the sought-after Strategies to Realize Innovation, Vision and Empowerment (STRIVE) Awards, created by PTC Therapeutics, Inc. to aid nonprofit organizations committed to serving the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) community. Today's announcement coincides with World Duchenne Awareness Day 2018, a global effort to raise worldwide awareness of Duchenne.

Zachary Mitchell, who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), is surrounded by his mom Valerie, his dad Rick and his twin brother Nicholas. The Mitchells, who reside in Bowmanville, Ontario, are thankful for Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s Personal Empowerment Program, which helps families affected by DMD. The program, which is available across Canada, is a 2018 recipient of a global STRIVE award, created by PTC Therapeutics Inc. (CNW Group/Muscular Dystrophy Canada)

PTC Therapeutics Inc. logo (CNW Group/Muscular Dystrophy Canada)

STRIVE logo (CNW Group/Muscular Dystrophy Canada)

"We are thrilled to have won this STRIVE Award, which will help us make a real difference to the lives of people affected by Duchenne," said Barbara Stead-Coyle, CEO of Muscular Dystrophy Canada. "The grant will help us to run Personal Empowerment Programs which help people with Duchenne to live more independently, be more socially active and involved in the community, and better informed about managing their condition."

The STRIVE Awards recognize the vital role patient advocacy groups play in improving the lives of individuals affected by DMD, and grants are awarded to facilitate unique, inventive ideas or programs that support patients and families within the Duchenne community.

Award entries were received from 45 organizations from across the world. An independent panel of external experts, knowledgeable in rare diseases, patient advocacy and funding initiatives, judged the entries for innovation, vision, and empowerment. Muscular Dystrophy Canada was one of 8 organizations to receive the Award, with judges commending the "innovative and collaborative" nature of the winning applications.

About Muscular Dystrophy Canada
Muscular Dystrophy Canada's mission is to enhance the lives of those affected with neuromuscular disorders by continually working to provide ongoing support and resources while relentlessly searching for a cure through well-funded research. To learn more about Muscular Dystrophy Canada, please visit www.muscle.ca or call our toll-free number at 1-866-MUSCLE-8 (1-866-687-2538). 

SOURCE Muscular Dystrophy Canada

Barbara Stead-Coyle, National CEO, Muscular Dystrophy Canada, [email protected], [phone]; Sandy Caetano, Cohn & Wolfe, [email protected], [phone]; Alyssa Acorn, Cohn & Wolfe, [email protected], [phone]