Category: Fundraising

VALUE OF A MONTHLY GIFT

VALUE OF A MONTHLY GIFT

Did you know that every month, you have the opportunity to change the life of someone affected by a neuromuscular disorder?

Making a monthly donation, and becoming an MDC Changemaker is an important and rewarding way to show your support for the neuromuscular disorder community. By pledging a few dollars each month, you can provide ongoing and meaningful support, which makes a huge difference in the lives the persons affected. MDC Changemakers are part of the fabric of the neuromuscular community and their support plays a vital role in driving our work forward and ensuring that Canadians affected by neuromuscular disorders have the tools and resources they need to live rich, full lives.

“Over the years, as my equipment needs have changed, Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s (MDC) support has been indispensable. With the support of donors, MDC helped me get an elevating wheelchair and even provided funding support so my family could afford a van with a power lift. And getting back some independence through this equipment has been life-changing for me. MDC made that possible.”

Alex Harold
  1. It’s convenient: Set it and forget it!
    Monthly giving is a great way to include charitable donations in your budget. Smaller donations that occur throughout the year, are generally more manageable for your personal budget. Plus, MDC issues a single, consolidated tax-receipt to all Changemakers for the full amount of their yearly donation so you don’t have to keep track of each individual gift.
  2. Compounded impact: A little goes a long way!
    A regular gift made over a longer period of time stacks up in terms of total impact. Recurring monthly gifts provide MDC with regular and predictable support that allows us to fund our life-changing programming throughout the year and better predict future cash flows.
  3. Join an exclusive community
    At MDC, our monthly donors are Changemakers; a community dedicated to breaking down barriers for the neuromuscular community. Becoming an MDC Changemaker comes with some exclusive benefits, including:
    • A dedicated MDC staff member to answer your questions and provide support whenever you need it;
    • Members-only webinars, focused on research updates;
    • Email-only quarterly updates to share impact statistics and good news stories;
    • An annual report highlighting how your support of MDC has impacted the neuromuscular community;
    • The feeling of pride at being a part of one of the most important communities within MDC.

Become an MDC CHANGEMAKER today, and help break down barriers for people affected by neuromuscular disorders.

Break down barriers for people like Christina today!

Christina was twelve years old when she started to experience weakness in her legs. She struggled to get up off the floor and just climbing stairs became very hard. Sometimes, her legs would give out entirely.

As an active and energetic youth who was involved in many sports, Christina kept making excuses for her sudden change in abilities. “I’m just being clumsy,” or “My legs are just not strong enough”, she said.
As her muscle weakness continued to progress, Christina was referred to a specialist. After several tests and visits, she and her family received life altering news.

Christina was diagnosed with Limb-Girdle muscular dystrophy.

Finally, Christina and her family had the answers they so desperately needed. Initially relieved to finally have an explanation for her change in ability, her diagnosis led to many more questions— questions that no one seemed to have the answers to.

“My parents and I had never heard of neuromuscular disorders before,” she says. “This was a new world to us. There were a lot of questions and tests and doctors weren’t able to give us clear information about what this would mean for me going forward. It was hard to get answers to these really important questions.”

We need your support now to ensure people like Christina and her family have access to the resources they need. Someone to answer questions and to act as a guide along the way. Your gift will help break down barriers.

When a Canadian is diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder, we know they will need a lot of support and services. But the systems around us – provincial healthcare, private insurance, and government policy – aren’t set up to give that kind of full support. These systems are also difficult for people to navigate. So that’s why we’re here – to fill in the healthcare gaps and help people find their way through these systems.

MDC has a full spectrum of programs, services, and supports for the thousands of Canadians of all ages living with a neuromuscular disorder. Plus, we invest in transformative research to work towards more answers, therapies, and hopefully, potential cures.

Please consider becoming a monthly donor today. Monthly donations provide ongoing support, allowing MDC to be nimble and respond to immediate and urgent priorities – like the needs of our clients and emerging, promising research.

Donate Today!

While Christina still doesn’t have all the answers to her questions, she knows that MDC is with her every step of the way and that research plays an important role in her quality of life. Christina emphasizes that even without a cure, the diagnosis itself was crucial.

“As hard as the diagnosis may be, education is one of the most important pieces,” she says. “It is a big step in accepting your diagnosis and leading the best life possible. You will have to advocate for yourself, and being informed is one of the best ways you can do that!”

Please renew your commitment to MDC today by making a monthly gift. Your support helps provide Canadians affected by neuromuscular disorders with answers to their most important questions. By making a gift today, you will provide access to the critical information they need to make informed decisions about their health.

Donors like you make MDC’s support of individuals and families possible. Your generosity today will help eliminate the barriers that keep Canadians affected by neuromuscular disorders from reaching their full potential.

Today, at 35 years old, Christina’s neuromuscular disorder plays a big part in how she moves and operates every single day, but it doesn’t stop her from living her best life. As a self-described social-butterfly who enjoys travelling and going to concerts, Christina credits MDC with helping her have such a positive outlook.

“MDC has played a very important role in who I am today. It has given me the tools to connect with people that are affected like me,” she says. “It has educated me and has made me comfortable in my own skin”.

With your ongoing support, we can help other people affected by neuromuscular disorders achieve their own goals and live their best lives, too.

With your help, we can accomplish incredible things!

Donate Today!

Neuromuscular disorders do not discriminate. Nor do they take a break over the holiday season.

Canadians affected by neuromuscular disorders celebrate a variety of different holidays over the winter season, however, amongst this diversity, our community has one thing in common: Often this time of year has added pressures for those living with neuromuscular disorders and their families.

Regardless of where you live in Canada, accessibility issues are amplified in the winter months. Whether it’s the winter storm and unplowed sidewalks that keep you home or the lack of accessible transit making it impossible to celebrate the way you had hoped, those living with neuromuscular disorders can lean on their Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) Service Specialist for support. Service Specialists help navigate individual questions, complex decisions, advocate for change and provide emotional support during difficult moments.

And, thanks to you «our donors» we can answer each call and make a difference together.

Today, I hope you will make a gift to ease some of the pressure of the season for the thousands of individuals and their families, who turn to MDC as a trusted resource and partner in their neuromuscular journey.

Donate Today!

Learn more “Neuromuscular disorders do not discriminate. Nor do they take a break over the holiday season.”

THE BOOTS ARE BACK AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!

No one has missed seeing Fire Fighters out in the community supporting individuals affected by neuromuscular disorders more than Fire Fighters themselves.

“We are so happy to be in a position where we can bring the boots back out into the community to raise funds and awareness.”

Dan Hamel, Chair of the National Fire Fighter Relations Committee

Learn more “THE BOOTS ARE BACK AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!”

Shad’s R&R annual golf tournament

In 1973, the late Fred Shaddick and several of his associates, mostly from the automotive aftermarket sector, decided to get together for a fun day where competitors put business aside to focus on the larger cause of raising funds and awareness for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

Since the first tee off 47 years ago, the Shad’s R&R annual golf tournament has raised over $5.2 million for life-changing neuromuscular research.

Learn more “Shad’s R&R annual golf tournament”

Important Update on Phone Solicitations

Muscular Dystrophy Canada does not use telemarketing services. You can support Fire Fighters and help them Fill the Boot for Muscular Dystrophy Canada and the individuals and families affected by neuromuscular disorders by going to filltheboot.ca.

STATEMENT REGARDING PHONE SOLICITATIONS

Several years ago, the Canadian Fire Fighter Curling Association (CFFCA) retained a telemarketing company to assist in fundraising for their annual curling event. A portion of the funds raised in past years were donated to MDC.

Muscular Dystrophy Canada can confirm a campaign soliciting donations for the Canadian Fire Fighter Curling Association has begun, seeking donations that support the Canadian Fire Fighter Curling Association.

In the past, we received complaints regarding the tone and approach of these solicitation calls and brought this to the attention of the CFFCA President.

Should you have any concerns or questions please contact the Canadian Fire Fighter Curling Association directly at cffca.ca.

We sincerely thank all of our generous supporters for making our work possible. Again, to help Fire Fighters #filltheboot go to filltheboot.ca.

Give the gift of a new beginning

We didn’t know that with treatment her story could be different.
Lucy should have received treatment before symptoms appeared and thanks to the advocacy of MDC, other babies won’t have to wait.

Laura Van Doormaal

Imagine seeing your newborn’s health rapidly decline at three weeks of age. You had been watching them kick, cry, suck their thumb and feed wonderfully, but now you start to notice weakness in their arms and legs. Then, two weeks later, your perfectly healthy, full-term baby is struggling to feed and breathe, and you are receiving a diagnosis that includes the heart crushing words “rarely survive past two years”.

Laura and Scott Van Doormaal do not have to imagine this scenario. This is exactly what they went through when, at five weeks old, their daughter Lucy was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1.

You can help children, like Lucy, live life to the fullest by making a donation today!

Lucy began a treatment for SMA immediately and then at five months old, on September 9, 2020, she was selected to receive a new gene therapy. For the Van Doormaal family, this was a new start.

All of us at Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) are grateful that Lucy had the opportunity for a new beginning, and for her medical team that made it possible. But we know not everyone has this experience.

It is because of generous donors like you that we’re able to advocate for earlier diagnoses of neuromuscular disorders across Canada, fund more research to improve treatment options and search for cures. We’re making progress, but there is so much more to do.

In a neuromuscular disorder like SMA, where time is of the essence, early diagnosis and prompt access to treatments are critical to achieving the best possible outcomes. Unfortunately, this is not the reality for most Canadians….yet.

Please consider making a gift today. Your donation will ensure that people like Lucy receive earlier diagnoses, and have access to important programs and services that can support their emotional, mental and physical health.

Make your gift today

Your gift gives families, like the Van Doormaals, a new beginning.

Today, although there is still a long road ahead, Lucy is thriving. At almost two years old, Lucy has started standing with support, communicating more and showing off her love of dancing. She has regained her ability to eat, and truly loves mealtime. Laura told us that:

“Early diagnosis and access to treatment has the biggest impact on the future for families who experience neuromuscular disorders like SMA. I know this is something MDC is passionate about.”

We know that access to treatment before symptoms appear can change a life. Together, we can ensure that screening and diagnoses are available as early as possible, even before 5 weeks of age. That’s why I’m asking you to make a donation today. Your support will mean a new beginning for people across the country.

You can help save lives.

I am grateful to each donor who has invested in our shared goals. You have already made a difference to our community. Thank you for supporting our important work and for your continued partnership.

Sincerely,

Stacey Lintern
Chief Executive Officer

Make your gift today

PS. Your gift today will help ensure people diagnosed with neuromuscular disorders receive the treatment they need as soon as possible, before it’s too late.

PPS. Making your donation is easy. Simply fill out the enclosed reply form and return it in the reply envelope, or make your gift online at muscle.ca/give. You can also call 1-800-567-2873 to make a gift by phone.

Change someone’s tomorrow – today!

I had a fifty-fifty chance of inheriting the gene from my mother. I didn’t. But my little brother did. I feel a lot of guilt but all I can do is give my time, money or muscles – sometimes all three – to make a difference for others who are affected by neuromuscular disorders

William Truman

William Truman is a Fire Fighter from Quebec. He’s also a father, friend, son, brother and generous supporter of Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC).

Will and his brother Joe, separated by just a year and a half, grew up extremely close. Despite being diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Joe was always laughing and was such a happy little boy. As a protective older brother, watching Joe grow up with so many challenges was very difficult for Will and brought up a lot of feelings of guilt.

It’s hard not to get emotional when I hear stories like this from families affected by neuromuscular disorders. When Will and I spoke about why he supports MDC, I knew I had to share it with you.

But before I go any further, let me say thank you. It is because of the continued support of donors like you that we are seeing great change and momentum in neuromuscular research.

DONATE NOW

Will longed to see research advances in Joe’s lifetime.

We are making progress, but there is still a long way to go before we find cures. I’m asking you to help us continue this momentum by making a donation today.

When Will was a kid, MDC helped his family purchase equipment and provided them with supportive services. Having MDC as a partner in Joe’s journey, their journey as a family, was so impactful.

That’s why Will feels that it’s so important to support MDC. He knows exactly how much you are helping families. Right now, and in the future. In his words:

It’s impossible to not find reward in supporting MDC. My favourite part is meeting the children who participate in events like the High Rise Challenge. Seeing their shy smiles, seeing it change to not so shy when they get to sit in the fire truck. That’s why I raise funds – to help moms and dads who are going through what my parents experienced so that their stories have a different ending.

The future is promising. In 2021, the first-ever gene therapy clinical trial for DMD is taking place in Canada and new therapies are in development. We know the breakthroughs we make in research are not isolated to one neuromuscular disorder and will lead to even more new trials and treatments.

Your unwavering support is critical as we work with research, clinical and academic communities to relentlessly search for treatments and cures.

DONATE NOW

Your support will make the world a little brighter for families on this journey.

I am so grateful when supporters like Will share their story with the hopes of motivating others to give back as well. At MDC we are a powerful community and the impact we make is because of you.

I am so proud of how far we’ve come and where we’re going. Thank you for changing someone’s tomorrow – today!

 

Stacey Lintern
Chief Executive Officer

PS. Your gift today will help ensure families in the future will benefit from the emerging research as we get closer to cures.

PPS. Making your donation is easy. Simply click here or you can also call 1-800-567-2873 toll-free to make a gift by phone.

Researchers from across Canada join The Tenaquip Foundation’s Walk4MD to raise awareness and funding for neuromuscular disorder community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 15, 2021

Toronto, Ontario – For the second year in a row, Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) is bringing the neuromuscular disorder (NMD) community together virtually for its annual Walk4MD, which raises much needed funds to support Canadians affected – and this year researchers are joining the Walk4MD family.

On June 19 at 3 p.m. EST, thousands of Canadians including six prominent NMD researchers across the country will come together, virtually, to participate in The Tenaquip Foundation’s Walk for Muscular Dystrophy (Walk4MD).

Dr. Reshma Amin from the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto is excited to be one of the Walk4MD Research Champions. “I look after so many amazing children with neuromuscular disease and their families. They deserve to be celebrated and what better way to do so than in partnership with MDC through the Walk4MD.”

“Important advancements are taking place in research right now, and we want to ensure that these advancements continue, and result in better treatments and ultimately a cure for neuromuscular disorders. We feel very fortunate to have the support of Dr. Reshma Amin, MD; Dr. Bernard Brais, MD, PhD; Dr. Nicolas Chrestian, MD; Dr. Robin Parks PhD; Dr. Gerald Pfeffer, MD, PhD; and Dr. Martine Tetreault, PhD and look forward to our NMD community getting to know these incredible individuals better,” said Stacey Lintern, CEO, Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

She added, “I’m also pleased to share that The Tenaquip Foundation is joining us again as title sponsor, and Global has returned as media sponsor for the second year in a row. Like us, they are committed to raising awareness and funds for the Canadian NMD community.”

The Tenaquip Foundation’s Walk4MD is a signature fundraising event for MDC that raises critical funds to support Canadians impacted by neuromuscular disorders. This year, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the funds raised are more important than ever.

“There is still urgency to raise funds to meet the increased needs of our clients during this time,” says Lintern. “Like last year, we’ve had to cancel the majority of our fundraising events for the safety and well-being of our team and the NMD community. That unfortunately, has resulted in a 60 per cent decrease in revenue in our first quarter last year.”

The goal of The Tenaquip Foundation’s Walk4MD this year is to raise $870,000. These funds will be invested in services and programs, like equipment, and ensure MDC can meet the unique needs of the neuromuscular community while continuing to invest in research for better health outcomes for individuals impacted by neuromuscular disorders.

To learn more about The Tenaquip Foundation’s Walk4MD or to register for this exciting event, please visit walk4MD.ca

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ABOUT MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY CANADA

Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s mission is to enhance the lives of those impacted 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 muscle.ca or call our toll-free number at 1-800-567-2873.

MEDIA CONTACT

Heather Rice
Muscular Dystrophy Canada
Heather.Rice@muscle.ca
902-440-3714