PPMD Together: Cincinnati Marks Three Decades of PPMD's Impact and Mayor's
Proclamation
Honors Founding President & CEO Pat
Furlong's Dedication to the Duchenne Community
CINCINNATI, April 17,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Parent Project Muscular
Dystrophy (PPMD), a nonprofit organization leading the fight to end
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne), proudly marks its 30th
anniversary at the launch of the PPMD Together meeting
series, taking place April 19-20,
2024, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Founded three decades ago by a small group of passionate parents
and grandparents within the Duchenne community, PPMD has grown into
a beacon of hope, driven by the unwavering dedication of parents,
families, and individuals living with Duchenne and Becker.
In April 1994, Cincinnati served as the birthplace of PPMD,
where a handful of determined families joined forces to confront
the challenges posed by Duchenne. Led by PPMD's Founding President
and CEO Pat Furlong and united by a
shared mission to improve the lives of those affected by the
condition, they laid the foundation for what would become a
powerful force in the fight against Duchenne.
"Today, PPMD is the largest, most comprehensive nonprofit
organization in the United States
dedicated to ending Duchenne and stands as a testament to the
resilience and strength of the Duchenne community," says Furlong.
"While we've expanded our reach and initiatives over the years, its
core values remain deeply rooted in the parent, family, and patient
voice that continues to guide PPMD's efforts as we work tirelessly
to accelerate research, advocate for improved treatments and care,
and provide support and resources to families living with Duchenne
and Becker muscular dystrophy."
PPMD selected the location and date of the first PPMD
Together meeting to celebrate the 30th anniversary of
the organization in its hometown of Cincinnati, April
19-20, 2024. These events aim to foster connections,
collaboration, and empowerment within the Duchenne community,
echoing the spirit of unity and solidarity that has fueled PPMD's
journey over the past three decades.
In conjunction with the event, PPMD's founder and CEO,
Patricia Furlong, will be honored
with a proclamation from the city of Cincinnati, declaring April 19, 2024, as "Patricia Furlong Day." The proclamation,
presented by Aftab Pureval, Mayor of
the City of Cincinnati, recognizes
her unwavering dedication and contributions to the Duchenne
community. For 30 years, Furlong has led by example and has shown
to all who know her to be a pillar of strength, sound judgment, and
reason by creating programs at PPMD that have reshaped the
diagnosis of Duchenne.
The inaugural PPMD Together event in Cincinnati, as well as the city's recognition
of Patricia Furlong Day, serve as
poignant reminders of the organization's roots and the profound
impact of community-driven advocacy. Through engaging discussions,
interactive workshops, and opportunities to connect, PPMD
Together attendees will have the opportunity to share their
experiences, insights, and aspirations, further amplifying the
collective voice of the Duchenne community.
"We are incredibly proud to commemorate 30 years of progress,
community, and resilience," says Furlong. "From our humble
beginnings in Cincinnati to our
present-day efforts across the country, PPMD remains steadfast in
our commitment to empowering families, driving research, and
fighting for every future. As we look ahead, we are excited to
embark on this new chapter with the launch of PPMD Together,
a testament to the enduring strength and unity of our
community."
PPMD invites members of the Duchenne community, advocates,
researchers, clinicians, and supporters to join in celebrating this
milestone anniversary and shaping the future of Duchenne care and
research. Learn how you can join PPMD in the fight for every future
by visiting our website or by becoming a monthly donor.
Sponsorship for the PPMD Together meeting has been
provided by Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Edgewise Therapeutics, NS
Pharma, Pfizer, PTC Therapeutics, and Sarepta Therapeutics in
accordance with PPMD's Corporate Relations Policy.
ABOUT PARENT PROJECT MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
Duchenne is a genetic disorder that slowly robs people of
their muscle strength. Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD)
fights every single battle necessary to end Duchenne.
We demand optimal care standards and ensure every family has
access to expert healthcare providers, cutting edge treatments, and
a community of support. We invest deeply in treatments for this
generation of Duchenne patients and in research that will benefit
future generations. Our advocacy efforts have secured hundreds of
millions of dollars in funding and won eight FDA approvals.
Everything we do—and everything we have done since our founding
in 1994—helps those with Duchenne live longer, stronger lives. We
will not rest until we end Duchenne for every single person
affected by the disease. Join our fight against Duchenne at
EndDuchenne.org. Follow PPMD on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and
YouTube.
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SOURCE Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD)