Advocacy News

March 17, 2025 – Toronto, ON – Muscular Dystrophy Canada is proud to announce the appointment of Danielle Campo McLeod as our new National Ambassador. This inaugural role is a key component of Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s strategy to expand our reach, elevate brand awareness, and increase engagement with new and existing stakeholders across Canada. Reporting …Continue Reading

For many Canadians with neuromuscular disorders, the journey to diagnosis is long and frustrating, marked by uncertainty, misdiagnoses, and delays. Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 affects not only mobility but also the heart, cognition, and the gastrointestinal system, yet many individuals spend years searching for answers before finally accessing genetic testing. These delays result in missed …Continue Reading

Every year, individuals and groups across the country raise money to support Muscular Dystrophy Canada in their own way by hosting their own special events, including everything from bake sales to bike rides, golf tournaments, dances, auctions, and head-shaving challenges. Each year our community has fun while giving back in all sorts of ways! Community …Continue Reading

In recent years, Canadians living with a neuromuscular disorder have experienced a remarkable shift in their life trajectories. Advances in disease-modifying treatments and improvements in care standards in addition to expertise shared by people with lived experiences, have turned what were once dire diagnoses into opportunities for extended, fuller lives. Diseases like spinal muscular atrophy …Continue Reading

As we look back on 2024, I am so proud of what we accomplished. From coast to coast, we learned and affected change together. We continue to break through barriers and challenge ourselves at every turn. With our clients and their families at the heart of everything we do, we are excited and optimistic for …Continue Reading

Muscular Dystrophy Canada is thrilled to announce that after three years of working with each Canadian province and territory, all babies born in Canada can now be tested for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This milestone means infants diagnosed with SMA, the most fatal genetic disorder in children under two years of age, can receive life-changing …Continue Reading

Danielle has defied all odds throughout her life. As a world-record holding Paralympian, Danielle challenged herself to win a medal, and not only did she win one, but over the course of two Olympic games, she won seven. Danielle is a published book author and engages many as a motivational speaker at events nationwide. She’s …Continue Reading

Through boot drives and tolls on local roads, community barbeques, rooftop campouts, car washes, stair climbs and raffles – you name it – more than 600 fire departments, locals and associations across our country work with Muscular Dystrophy Canada every year so they can give all neuromuscular disorders “the boot” in this lifetime. Fire Fighters …Continue Reading

At Muscular Dystrophy Canada we understand that every community is diverse in its needs and priorities. Help shape your community’s priorities, set goals, and create important action plans that we can achieve together. We’re inviting people affected by neuromuscular disorders, family members, caregivers, Fire Fighters, donors, healthcare professionals, researchers, and supporters to tell us what …Continue Reading

Thanks to generous supporters, like you, Muscular Dystrophy Canada offers two types of retreats. Caregiver Retreats offer anyone taking care of someone affected by a neuromuscular disorder a relaxing weekend away. And Family Retreats bring the entire family together to meet other families from their area and enjoy various activities and entertainment. “This retreat changed …Continue Reading