Allen, Staff to Participate in AFCA Coach to Cure MD

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Indiana football staff will once again participate in the Coach to Cure MD sideline initiative this weekend at Cincinnati. The annual sideline charity initiative of Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), Coach to Cure MD was launched with the American Football Coaches Association in 2008.

"Football coaches are dedicated to the development of young people, and our coaches are always proud to stand with the brave individuals battling Duchenne muscular dystrophy," said Todd Berry, Executive Director of the AFCA. "Fans will see AFCA coaches wearing the Coach to Cure MD logo patch on the sidelines, educating fans about the cause on their social media, and inviting individuals battling Duchenne to their campuses."

"Our 15-year partnership with football coaches is making a difference in raising awareness, to help keep moving us closer to a cure for Duchenne," said Pat Furlong, Founding President & CEO of PPMD. "The Duchenne community appreciates having hundreds of football coaches on our side."

Duchenne is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed during childhood, primarily affecting boys. People with Duchenne develop progressive muscle weakness that eventually causes loss of mobility, wheelchair reliance, and a decline in respiratory and cardiac function. Currently, there is no cure for Duchenne. Life expectancy can extend to age 30.

Thanks to Coach to Cure MD and the work of PPMD, there is hope – research activity has accelerated dramatically over the last 15 years, including federal approval of therapies to extend life for a fraction of young men battling Duchenne.

Fans can engage with Coach to Cure MD by using the hashtag #TackleDuchenne to spread the word on social media, by texting the word "CURE" to 501501 to give $25, or by donating in honor of their favorite coach on the CoachToCureMD.org website.

About the AFCA
The AFCA was founded in 1922 and currently has more than 11,000 members around the world ranging from the high school level to the professional ranks. According to its constitution, the AFCA was formed, in part, to "maintain the highest possible standards in football and in the coaching profession" and to "provide a forum for the discussion and study of all matters pertaining to football."

About Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy
Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) is the largest, most comprehensive nonprofit organization in the United States focused on finding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy – our mission is to end Duchenne.

We invest deeply in treatments for this generation of people affected by Duchenne and in research that will benefit future generations. We advocate in Washington, D.C., and have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding. We demand optimal care, and we strengthen, unite and educate the global Duchenne community.

Everything we do – and everything we have done since our founding in 1994 – helps people with Duchenne live longer, stronger lives. We will not rest until every person has a treatment to end Duchenne. Go to www.ParentProjectMD.org for more information or to learn how you can support our efforts and help families affected by Duchenne. Follow PPMD on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Indiana University Athletics

Allen, Staff to Participate in AFCA Coach to Cure MD

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