MDF and IMDO Communities Come Together For A Cure
ROSEVILLE, CA (May 6, 2010) - The International Myotonic Dystrophy Organization (IMDO) announced today they are winding down their operations as a patient organization and will now be collaborating with the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation (MDF). The goal is to bring together two of the largest myotonic dystrophy communities as both organizations look forward to emerging treatments for this disorder. "Finding a cure for myotonic dystrophy has always been a shared goal of both organizations," said Richard Weston, IMDO President. "As we have all begun to gain ground on that goal, the board of directors of the IMDO felt that this was the right time to direct our efforts into the MDF, resulting in a strong, efficient effort towards our shared mission."
The MDF is pleased to announce that Richard Weston has joined the MDF board of directors. The MDF board members look forward to working with Richard and learning from his experiences. "Richard has done an excellent job serving the community of families living with myotonic dystrophy and we are excited to work with him in this new capacity", says Lisa Vittek, Managing Director of the MDF.
About Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation: The Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation is a patient advocacy organization dedicated to leading and mobilizing resources toward effective management, treatment and ultimately a cure for myotonic dystrophy. The foundation provides invaluable medical information, to educate the public and empower families and medical providers navigating the disease process. The MDF website, www.myotonic.org, and medical information provided by the foundation, is reviewed and approved by members of the MDF Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee, comprised of American experts in the field of myotonic dystrophy and muscle research who together have devoted more than ninety years to the research and treatment of myotonic dystrophy. In addition to providing information to families and caregivers on its website, the MDF hosts a community website where families and caregivers can meet others living with similar challenges and share information.
About the International Myotonic Dystrophy Organization: In 1996, Richard Weston started posting myotonic dystrophy resources on a website after his son was diagnosed with congenital myotonic dystrophy. In 2000, the IMDO was founded and incorporated by Richard Weston and Anny Slazik and in the years since then, they have been a great resource for families desperate to learn more about this complex disease. The IMDO's mission was to educate and advance the welfare, care and treatment of persons with myotonic dystrophy, and to educate the general public about this devastating disorder. Families who have looked to the IMDO for education and support should be glad to know that valuable resources will now be available in one place, www.myotonic.org.
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For more information about the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation, contact Lisa Vittek, Managing Director at info@myotonic.org or 86-MYOTONIC or 866-968-6642.
