The Muscular Dystrophy Foundation of SA’s Gauteng branch is adamant about supporting those affected by muscular dystrophy (MD) and endeavours to improve their quality of life.
The Gauteng branch is a registered NPO. It supports members in five provinces across SA, namely Gauteng, Northwest, Limpopo, the Free State and Mpumalanga.
There are also branches in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.
Muscular dystrophy is the collective name for a group of diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass.
Abnormal genes or mutations that interfere with the production of proteins crucial to forming healthy muscles cause MD.
There are many kinds of muscular dystrophies, with some occurring in childhood while others can occur in late adulthood.
While there is no cure for MD, there are medications and therapies available to help manage the symptoms and slow its progression.
Robert Scott, the business development manager of the Gauteng branch, said the foundation’s goals and objectives are to help affected persons and their families by providing information, support and referrals to genetic counselling and health facilities.
“We also do our utmost to support affected people with specialised disability equipment if we have the funding available. In addition, we create public awareness, generate funds to support and sustain our work and assist individuals to form self-help and support groups,” said Scott.
If you are affected by MD or know someone who is, email Scott at mdfgauteng@mdsa.org.za or call 011 472 9824.
