COACH TO CURE MD IS BACK IN THE GAME

Signature national football charity comes back strong, with the help of Werner Ladder

WASHINGTON, DC – Every September, football fans expect to see college coaches wearing an iconic bright green logo on their sleeves, raising awareness for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. With college football roaring back this year after a Covid-disrupted 2020, Coach to Cure MD, presented by Werner Ladder, is also back in full swing.

A partnership of the American Football Coaches Association and Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy since 2008, Coach to Cure MD has become as much a part of college football as marching bands and other game day traditions. Each year, on the last weekend of September coaches at all levels of college football take collective action to raise awareness for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood. This year’s focal point is the weekend of September 25^th.

“As football coaches, the members of the AFCA are dedicated to improving the lives of young men - both our players and those boys battling Duchenne muscular dystrophy,” said Northwestern Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald, President of the AFCA Board of Trustees this year. “I’ve met some of these boys personally on my campus and their courage is inspiring. We are proud to step up in this fight as coaches and we hope college football fans will join us in driving the search for a cure to this awful disorder." Fitzgerald is one of many coaches who have hosted boys battling Duchenne on campus as honorary team captains.

Werner Ladder, the presenting sponsor, invites college fans to “Step Up With Werner” and support the cause by donating online at ParentProjectMD.org in honor of their favorite college coach, or by texting the word CURE to 501501 to make a $25 donation on their next mobile phone bill.

“The entire Duchenne community is grateful to the AFCA and football coaches for embracing our cause and shining the spotlight on Duchenne muscular dystrophy,” said Pat Furlong, Founding President and CEO of Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy. “Working together, we have increased awareness, and driven fundraising that is making a difference in the development of new therapies, and hopefully one day, a cure for Duchenne.”

Duchenne MD is an progressive muscle disorder that robs primarily young men of their mobility, often in their teens, and then eventually respiratory and cardiac function.

“This cause is a proud partnership for football coaches,” said Todd Berry, Executive Director of the AFCA. “It demonstrates the values of our profession and directs a bit of the passion of college football to a very worthy cause – we look forward to it again this year.”

About Werner

WERNER, a WernerCo brand, is the world leader in ladders and has a complete line of climbing products designed for working at heights. The portfolio includes ladders, attic ladders, scaffolding, pump jacks, stages, planks, stepstools, accessories and fall protection equipment including harnesses, lanyards, anchors and compliance kits. From ladders to fall protection, Werner provides a full line of climbing equipment that’s engineered to offer maximum safety, durability and productivity at any height. For more information, visit www.wernerladder.com.

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. We demand optimal care, and we strengthen, unite and educate the global Duchenne community. Go to www.ParentProjectMD.org to learn how you can support our efforts and help families affected by Duchenne. Follow PPMD on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Contacts:

Vince Thompson, AFCA, 254-754-9900 or vince@afca.com
Kimberly Galberaith, PPMD, 201-250-8440 or Kimberly@parentprojectmd.org