Dear Friends,

Joel, Abbey and Wendy Umali

When we first learned that our daughter Abbey has a progressive muscle disease, we knew that one of our greatest assets for coping with the challenges ahead would be our strength as a family. 

But little did we know that we would find an entirely new family to walk alongside us as we faced fears, met new challenges and celebrated newfound joys. We’d like to welcome you to what we hope will become an extension of your family as well: the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The journey that brought you to MDA may have been long, confusing and frustrating as you sought answers or a diagnosis for yourself or a loved one. Whatever path brought you here, please know that you’re no longer alone. The entire MDA community — staff, physicians, researchers, sponsors, clinicians, donors, and families and individuals — is here for you.

Throughout this website, you’ll find information about specific services that MDA offers, and how to best utilize these many resources, which can make a critical difference in understanding, managing and living day-to-day with neuromuscular disease. MDA provides medical care, disease-specific information, online and face-to-face support, help obtaining and repairing durable medical equipment, summer camp for youngsters and — above all — a world-class research program that someday will put an end to muscle-weakening diseases for good.

This website also will give you an idea of the many ways to get involved with MDA’s mission. Our family has found that volunteering at a fundraiser, getting a friend to participate in a special event, lending our voices to advocacy campaigns and other activities have helped us feel like we’re doing all we can to further the search for cures and treatments.

As we’ve learned how Abbey’s muscle disease will affect — but not limit — her life, MDA has been right there with information, medical care, unmatched support and friendship. May you find similar refuge in this community — and please don’t ever hesitate to turn to your new family for help and hope!

With love,

Joel and Wendi Umali
Parents of Abbey Umali
MDA Goodwill Ambassador