OUR MISSION

Race 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 Race to End Duchenne you are supporting PPMD’s vital work in advancing research, care, and advocacy to help those with Duchenne live longer, stronger lives.

HOW DOES RACE TO END DUCHENNE WORK?

PPMD is here to guide you through your race experience, from the day you sign up to the moment you cross the finish line and beyond. As a member of the Race to End Duchenne Team, we’ll be supporting you every step of the way just as we are supporting those living with Duchenne.

But it’s not just about the race. By joining our Race to End Duchenne Team, you’re also making an important commitment to the fight against Duchenne. We assure you that the money you raise will help improve lives. Your efforts will fund research into promising treatments, advance our advocacy efforts in Washington, provide support for families, and help us ensure access to approved therapies. Whether or not you have fundraising experience, don’t stress we have helpful resources, tips, and suggestions that will help you meet (and hopefully exceed!) your goals.

Race to End Duchenne Team members commit to raise funds to help improve the lives of those living with Duchenne. We’ve established realistic fundraising goals for each race, and we provide the tools you’ll need to make it easy and fun. Think of your Race to End Duchenne participation as your personal stake in the fight against Duchenne. It’s an opportunity for you to join the fight and to get your family and friends involved in a cause you’re passionate about. You’ll be amazed at the support you’ll receive!

As a member of the Race to End Duchenne Team, we’re counting on you to fulfill your event’s stated fundraising minimum. That’s why, if you don’t reach your goal, you will be required to make a personal donation by the fundraising commitment due date to fulfill the balance. But don’t worry, raising money is way easier than you think! People love to support runners going the distance to help an important cause, so this shouldn’t be a problem for you. Be sure to take advantage of the many tools and tips we offer to help you meet your fundraising goals.

Read our FAQs to learn more about joining the Race to 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 eight 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 $55 million into innovative research that will make an impact across the disease and helped leverage over $600 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.