Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation

In 2011, thanks to generous support from the MDF community, the Foundation was able to dramatically expand our patient and family programs, increase our research fellowships and better mobilize resources targeted at effectively managing, treating and ultimately curing myotonic dystrophy.  In 2012, we want and need to do even more. 

2012 MDF Family Conference

The Foundation is committed to increasing the number of patients, caregivers, friends and research and medical professionals we serve in 2012 through our MDF Family Conference, and to continue our first-ever 2011 conference video program, so that those who cannot attend in person will have access to the full array of speakers and information.  The 2011 conference, free to all attendees, was completely sold out with a significant waiting list.  The 2012 conference will accommodate more attendees and will again be fully videotaped for viewing post-conference on the MDF site.  Additional funding in 2012 is needed to make this expanded conference happen.

2012 Fund-A-Fellow Research Fellowships

For the first time ever, the Foundation will support four post-doctoral students pursuing research related to DM in 2012-2013, doubling the two that were funded in 2010-2011.  The Fellowship program has allowed MDF to increase the number of talented researchers working in the DM field and is proving to be a successful seed funding effort, attracting other, larger research funds for myotonic dystrophy.  The Foundation is proud to announce that one of our Fellows, Dr. John D. Lueck of the University of Iowa, recently received a 3-year development grant from the Muscular Dystrophy Association to continue the research he started through his Fund-A-Fellow award.

2012 MDF Programs

The MDF community forum continues to bring DM patients, caregivers and friends together to offer and receive support, tips and assistance with resources on a daily basis.  Community forum membership, at almost 2,000 followers living in over 45 countries, is at an all-time high, and the Foundation would like to significantly expand its reach and impact in 2012.  In addition, the MDF website passed its 1,000,000th visitor in 2011 and is increasingly used by patients, doctors and educators alike.  Our Family Empowerment Packs have now shipped to more than 2,200 patients and their families, providing what is often their first comprehensive information on this complex disease. The Foundation has seen demand for the Family Empowerment Packs grow each year, and we want to ensure that we can continue to create and ship these critical resources.

We can’t continue this important work in 2012 without you.  Please consider making a tax-deductible gift to MDF now via one of the payment options offered below, or contact the Foundation via email at info@myotonic.org or telephone at (866) 968-6642 for more information. 

Your gift to MDF will make a huge difference for the tens of thousands of people living with this complex and life-changing condition, and speed up the pace of research on treatments and a cure. 

Thank you!

Contribution Payment Options:

1. Make a secure online donation
2. Make a donation by check or money order
3. Make a donation through direct wire to the MDF fund
4. Give a donation through your company’s matching gift program
5. Buy or sell items on eBay and a portion of the proceeds will go to the MDF
6. Give a donation in lieu of special-occasion gifts
7. Make a gift of stock
8. IRA Donations
9. Planned Giving to MDF through Your Will 
10. Where does your money go?

Online Donations

The Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation uses Network For Good to process online donations. One can use a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express and can donate once or give a recurring donation via this site. Additionally, you’ll be allowed to list individuals or families that you wish to give your gift on behalf of. Please click on the Donate Now button below to access our online donation page:

 Check or Money Order

Make your check out to Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation (or MDF) and send it to us at:
Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation
10016 Foothills Blvd, Suite 130
Roseville, CA 95747-7198 USA

Wire Transfer

If you are interested in directly wiring a donation to the MDF fund from your checking, saving, or investment account, please contact us at 86-MYOTONIC (866-968-6642) or by e-mail info@myotonic.org We can provide you with the directions to donate using direct wire.  

Company’s Matching Gift Program

Remember to use your company's corporate matching program as another way to donate to the MDF. Many employers are willing to match a portion or all of your donations to non-profits. Ask your employer today! 

Buy or Sell on eBay

Interested in buying or selling on eBay and donating a portion of the proceeds to MDF? If so, click here to Buy and here to Sell.

Donations in Lieu of Special-Occasion Gifts 

Sending the MDF a donation in lieu of a special-occasion gift to another recipient is a great way to donate to the MDF, particularly around the holidays. MDF will be happy to acknowledge your gift and send the original recipient a thank you note acknowledging the gift given on their behalf. 

Gift of Stock

Interested in donating to MDF by making a gift of stock? If so, please contact us at 86-MYOTONIC (866-968-6642) or by email info@myotonic.org for more details about this program.  

IRA Donations

If you’re over the age of 70 ½, you’re eligible for a special IRA donation that can help you and the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation. For this tax year, you can roll over up to $100,000 from your IRA to charity. These gifts can be made tax-free and may help you meet your required IRA distribution levels. Simply direct your custodian to transfer a portion of your required minimum distribution on or before December 31, 2008, directly to the MDF.  

Planned Giving Through your Will

A bequest, or gift through your will, is one of the simplest ways to make a lasting gift to the MDF. It allows you to balance your philanthropic goals with concerns that you may have about future living expenses, future medical costs, and loved ones. You don’t have to be wealthy to make a bequest. No matter the amount, every gift is important. You must make such a bequest in your will or in a properly prepared codicil—in writing, signed by you, and witnessed according to the laws of your state. You can specify that the bequest be used for a certain purpose, or you can make it an unrestricted gift. An unrestricted gift will be used where it is most needed. Bequests are deductible from your gross estate and can therefore offer estate tax savings. If you have already included MDF in your estate plans, please contact us so that we can thank you for your gift and keep you informed of our ongoing activities. If you are considering making a planned gift to MDF and have not yet decided the form of your gift, please contact your estate planner.  

Where does your money go?

When you donate to the Foundation, your money is immediately put to work funding research to improve treatment, find a cure, and communicate with others about myotonic dystrophy. Together, we can make a tremendous positive impact in the scientific community researching the causes and treatment of this disease, as well as in the lives of people living with myotonic dystrophy. Please join us by donating today! 

The Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation is organized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law and you will receive a letter of acknowledgment of your donation either online or by mail. The MDF IRS Tax EIN # is: 20-5014628.