Cause Index

Muscular dystrophy Foundation of SA

The Muscular Dystrophy Foundation of South Africa (MDFSA) is a registered non-profit organisation (Reg. No. 004-152 NPO) constituted by three branches which operate in the nine provinces in South Africa and are actively involved in muscular dystrophy programmes. The organisation was founded in 1974 by Mr and Mrs Newton Walker of Potchefstroom who, at the time, had a son affected with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. They, together with Wally Gough, Chairman of the Rotary Club of Potchefstroom and representatives of Cripple Care Association formed the Foundation. The foundation was established with the aim of reaching out to other parents and families in a similar situation and to support research into this disease with the ultimate goal of finding a cure. The foundation has been carrying out this aim for the past thirty eight years.Our Goals

Enabling people to participate in identifying muscular dystrophy needs and respond appropriately
Developing equal caring and copying services for people affected by muscular dystrophy
Supporting affected people with specialised equipment
Creating public awareness on muscular dystrophy issues
Striving for the recognition and protection of the rights of people affected by muscular dystrophy.
Supporting and promoting research into the causes and treatment of muscular dystrophy
Generating funds to support and sustain our work
Collaborating and communicating on a national, provincial, international, governmental and non-governmental basis on policy matters relating to all aspects of muscular dystrophy.
Assisting individuals to form self help and support groups

Programmes and Services

Our programmes are based on the following;

Social Integration and Support Services

Our role is to support people affected by Muscular Dystrophy and their families by;

offering comprehensive medical information and regular news updates
providing referrals to neurologists and professional counsellors
putting them in contact with specialised health services
assisting with specialised disability equipment
facilitating contact to support groups and emotional support
Integration into mainstream society

Muscular Dystrophy Awareness

Our role is to raise awareness about services rendered by The Muscular Dystrophy Foundation of South Africa and muscular dystrophy as a whole to dispel the lack of knowledge, mythologies and stigma. Awareness promotion is an important aspect of the foundation. September is the Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month.

Research

Through newsletters and the website members and the general public are kept informed of all activities and receive research updates, nationally and internationally. We also support the execution of local research where needed.

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