ppmd's annual report 2008
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Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy's 2008 Annual ReportTRANSCRIPT
LEADING THE FIGHT
TO END DUCHENNE
RUN FOR OUR SONSP
RO
JEC
T C
ATA
LYST
RESEARCH
DU
CH
EN
NE
C
ON
NE
CT
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS
PTC-124
REGIONAL ROUNDTABLE
COMMUNITY
ONLINES.T.I.R.
AD
VO
CA
CY
ED
UC
AT
ION
PROGRESS REPORT
UNITY
MD-CARE ACT
HOPE
FAMILYSUPPORT
CARE
Dear PPMD Family,
As we look to the future, we see promise and hope
where there used to be very little. For the first time
ever, there is a strong belief within the Duchenne
research community that boys of this generation
will not only become adults but also live out their
dreams. We had no such hope when my sons were
diagnosed.
The entire Duchenne community is focused on accelerating the
development of treatments so that all boys diagnosed have access to
treatments that will stop their progression of Duchenne. Exciting new
options are being moved into clinical trial, and research is advancing
faster than ever before.
We’re seeing an exciting level of new cooperation and collaboration in
the Duchenne research field, and we’ve also worked toward our shared
advocacy goals. In addition to research and advocacy, the PPMD staff
works hard to advance care and treatment for families coping with
Duchenne today. And we continue to raise awareness beyond the
Duchenne community and educate the public in order to reach families
who haven’t yet had a Duchenne diagnosis.
It is Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy’s comprehensive approach in the
fight that will end Duchenne. We must end Duchenne. And we will end
Duchenne.
Sincerely,
Pat Furlong Founding President & CEO
Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy
DE
AR
PP
MD
FA
MIL
Y
DEARFRIE
ND
SDear Friends, Families, and Supporters,
As the father of a boy with Duchenne, I’ve got many
personal, emotional reasons to do everything I can
to help Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy end
Duchenne. I want to see my son walk farther, climb
higher, and live longer. It’s a matter of life and death
for my family.
As a businessman, I’ve also got logical, professional reasons to help
PPMD end Duchenne. PPMD is the only Duchenne organization to
invest in a broad research portfolio, including short-, mid-, and long-
term treatments and therapies. No other organization has leveraged
hundreds of millions of dollars into Duchenne-specific programs and
research centers. They are the only muscular dystrophy organization
to receive a seal-of-approval from the Better Business Bureau’s Wise
Giving Alliance and multiple four-star ratings from Charity Navigator.
Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy is a leader among muscular
dystrophy organizations. You can’t make a better, wiser investment.
It is our duty to do everything we can to help end Duchenne:
raise awareness, join a Run For Our Sons team, advocate in DC,
make donations large and small, and more. Because no other
organization works so tirelessly and effectively in the fight against
Duchenne, we must also work tirelessly to support Parent Project
Muscular Dystrophy. I hope you’ll join me in these efforts. Thank you.
Best,
John Killian Board Chair
Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy
DU
CH
EN
NE
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
(Duchenne) is the most common
fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in
childhood, affecting approximately
1 in every 3,500 live male births
(about 20,000 new cases each year).
Because the Duchenne gene is found
on the X-chromosome, it primarily
affects boys; however, it occurs across
all races and cultures.
Duchenne can be passed from
parent to child, but approximately
35% of cases occur because of a
random spontaneous mutation. In
other words, Duchenne can affect any
family. Although there are medical
treatments that may help slow
its progression, there is currently no
cure for Duchenne, and young men
with Duchenne typically live only into
their late twenties.
Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) is the largest nonprofit
organization in the United States focused entirely on Duchenne muscular
dystrophy. We are the only Duchenne organization
• To invest in a broad research
portfolio;
• To explore short-, mid-, and long-
term therapies;
• To leverage $200 million into re-
search and centers and $22 million
into Duchenne-specific programs
at the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention;
• To leverage $15.4 million from the
National Institutes of Health into a
drug discovery program;
• To receive a seal-of-approval from
the Better Business Bureau’s Wise
Giving Alliance;
• To receive four stars from Charity
Navigator several years running.
Since 1994, PPMD has improved the treatment, quality of life, and long-term
outlook for all individuals affected by Duchenne through research, advocacy,
care, and education. Because of our efforts, families affected by Duchenne
have better access to state-of-the-art care information, research is moving
forward at an accelerated pace, and legislation now exists to fund Duchenne
research and outreach programs.
The name of the organization
reflects our grassroots origins,
parent-led focus, and passion,
and Parent Project Muscular
Dystrophy is now a name recognized around the world as the leader
in the Duchenne community. We hold the highest ethical standards and
consistently receive high marks from watchdog organizations.
We take a comprehensive approach in the fight against Duchenne—
funding research, promoting advocacy, connecting the community,
broadening treatment options, and raising awareness. Only this comprehensive
approach will lead to the day that 100% of those diagnosed can turn to a
treatment that will end Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
PARENT PR
OJE
CT
MUSCULARDY
STRO
PH
Y
• Invested in research and potential treatments
that will affect the entire Duchenne community
• Accelerated the first-ever drug treatment and
clinical trial for Duchenne, developing a path for
future therapies
• Signed a $1 million agreement with PTC
Therapeutics for a cardiac target, to fight
the primary cause of death for all boys with
Duchenne (heart failure)
• Developed DuchenneConnect.org, a clinical
trials and treatment resource community for
families, healthcare professionals, researchers,
industry, and policymakers (in English and
Spanish)
• Launched expanded PPMD website,
ParentProjectMD.org, with deeper content for
those affected by Duchenne, those who are
newly diagnosed or seeking more basic
information, and those who want to be more
deeply involved with PPMD
• Developed 15-, 30-, and 60-second public
service announcements (PSAs) featuring
Olympia Dukakis, and distributed them to a
national network of television and radio stations
that are currently running them pro bono
• Hosted our annual conference, which continues
to see a 20% growth each year, with over 50
scientific and medical professionals and 480
family members attending in 2007
RE
SEA
RC
H
When we began our work, the Duchenne research field was virtually nonexistent.
We were the first organization to initiate a drug-treatment focused initiative to invest
in this generation of boys affected by Duchenne. And because of our investment the
field is now ripe with promise.
We will continue to fund a broad research portfolio—including short-, mid-, and long-
term treatment and therapies—until every patient with Duchenne can turn to solution
that will stop the progression of the disease and save his life.
Our brOad apprOach PTC-124 offers terrific promise for about 15% of boys with Duchenne, and we are thrilled
that it’s now in clinical trials.
But our work doesn’t stop there. What about the other 85%? We’ve invested in numerous
promising research projects to combat the many root causes of Duchenne:
• Protease inhibitors, which slow muscle degeneration
• Compounds that improve blood flow to muscles
• Anti-inflammatories to lessen inflammation in degenerating muscles
• Antisense Oligonucleotide (AON) drugs, which produce a shortened but efficient protein to replace Dystrophin
• Proteins (including Utrophin and Integrin) that can replace Dystrophin in muscles
RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS
• Launched pilot outreach program in
Mississippi in partnership with the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention to
º Raise awareness and reach out to families
who may not yet have received a Duchenne
diagnosis, and those who may be receiving
inadequate care
º Educate healthcare professionals so that they
recognize the signs and lessen the diagnostic
odyssey for parents
• Launched banner advertising campaign with a
media firm working pro bono, which has served
up millions of Duchenne-specific awareness
impressions online, resulting in increased traffic
to both DuchenneConnect.org, and
ParentProjectMD.org, while broadly raising
awareness for Duchenne at no cost
• Continued to expand Regional Roundtables,
providing up-to-date information on Duchenne
research and care, including the first-ever online
“Virtual Roundtable,” which reaches a broader
audience that simply logs in online to listen to
the presenter
• Offered online seminars for professionals in
identifying muscle weakness, with particular
emphasis on Duchenne identification and diagnosis
• Led workshops targeted on gaps in knowledge
about care, including cardiac and behavior issues
RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS
• Compounds that regulate muscle size and strength
• Compounds that block calcium overload in muscle cells
In the past few years, PPMD has invested over
$7 million dollars in Duchenne-specific research,
aimed at helping this and future generations of
young men live longer, healthier lives.
researching tO end duchenne Melissa Spencer, Professor of Neurology at UCLA, has been a longtime fan of PPMD. “PPMD provided
the early funding that allows us to do a pilot study that, in turn, led to other funding.”
For Melissa, PPMD’s impact is direct and local. “One of the most important things PPMD does is to
fund small research projects,” such as the $40,000 that Melissa’s department received. “It’s a Catch-22,
because you can’t get an NIH grant without preliminary data, and you can’t get data without funding.
PPMD allows investigators to explore promising avenues of research that may not yet be ready for
NIH-level funding. PPMD helps to bridge that gap.”
Melissa also appreciates what she sees as PPMD’s global influence. “There are now muscular dystrophy
parent groups across Europe, modeled upon PPMD’s approach, that translate and disseminate PPMD’s findings
in their own countries. That’s a powerful demonstration of PPMD’s effect on the global conversation.”
WH
AT
WE
AR
E F
UN
DIN
Gresearch initiatiVe FundingProject Catalyst: PTC Therapeutics Drug Development High throughput screens (HTS) (Utrophin, Alpha7Integrin, Myostatin inhibition, IGF-1)
$2.6 million (2005-2008)
Catalyst PTC Therapeutics Cardiac Specific Target (Serca 2a)
$250,000 HTS (2008-2009); $750,000 pending results/lead optimization
Andrew Hoey, U. Southern Queensland Upregulation of nNos to slow muscle degeneration using approved drugs; Investigation of Pirfenidone to improve cardiac function
$100,000 per year for three years (2008 will be year three)
Large Animal Model, U. Missouri Investigation antisense oligonucleotides and viral gene therapy (Koregay)
$264,946 (2007)
Large Animal Model, U. Pennsylvania Meg Sleeper, Therapeutics in Duchenne
$66,000 (2008)
Dominic Wells, Imperial College Antisense Oligonucleotides Dosing studies
$100,000 (2007-2008)
Brian Tseng, U. Colorado (currently Mass General Hospital/Boston) Investigate potential benefit of Protandim on free radicals and fibrosis
$20,000 (2007)
Melissa Spencer, UCLA, Fellowship support; Immune response to muscle cell injury
$40,000 (2007)
Rob Kotin AAV production for viral gene therapy
$50,000 (2007)
Beth Barton, U. Pennsylvania IGF-1 Isoforms or Iplex to improve functional mass in animal models for Duchenne
$100,000 per year for two years (2007 and 2008)
Bowman Birk Inhibitor Compound Investigate potential to slow/halt muscle degeneration; Explore patent issues related to compound
$140,000 (2007)
Justin Fallon Byglycan
$65,000 (2007); $65,000 pending (2008)
Antisense oligonucleotides Feasibility study Investigate application of AON in Duchenne for individuals with duplications/large deletions
$500,000 pending (2008)
Krista Vandenborne, U. Florida/Gainesville MRI study to evaluate MRI as a potential outcome measure in Duchenne
$30,000 (2007) $96,000 (2008)
Fellowships: Peter B. Weisman Fellowship $50,000 (2007)
DuchenneConnect Patient self-report registry; Genotyping campaign with Emory Genetics (Atlanta) to facilitate genetic testing, and data collection to facilitate participation in upcoming clinical trials
$250,000 (2007) $500,000 (2008)
Interdisciplinary Care Model, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Pending
Ethnic Diversity Understand racial disparity; Determine if disparity is the result of access to care or a biological question
$10,000 (2007)
Ongoing Legislative Agenda MD-CARE Act 2008, Reauthorization of MD-CARE Act
$300,000 per year (2000-2008); Leveraged $200 million for muscular dystrophy, and $50 million specifically for Duchenne
duchennecOnnect Advances in genetic testing offer the opportunity to understand each child’s specific
genetic mutation (that is, what happened to the gene that resulted in Duchenne).
The challenge remains to collect the data necessary to understand the relationship
between the genotype (genetic mutation) and the phenotype (clinical course).
In response to this challenge, PPMD launched DuchenneConnect.org, one of our most
significant recent contributions to the Duchenne community. This revolutionary new
approach to the clinical trial process was created to serve as a central hub linking the
resources and needs of the Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy community: young
men with Duchenne; their families and caregivers; and the medical and research
provider community.
DuchenneConnect provides an opportunity for families/patients to report on their
various conditions. In turn, it offers researchers/industry the chance to better understand
mutation and progression so that they can develop novel ways to treat Duchenne.
DuchenneConnect.org is interactive, notifying families of promising clinical trials, and
offers researchers/industry the opportunity to understand the course of the disorder and
patient population, thereby accelerating the development of new treatments.
duchennecOnnect: early success The early response to DuchenneConnect has
been remarkable, reinforcing our belief that
this online resource meets a very real need
within the clinical trial process.
In fact, in its first six months online, over
1,000 individuals registered with
DuchenneConnect.org. As a measure of
DuchenneConnect’s global reach, registrants
reside in 53 countries and speak many
languages, including English, Spanish, French,
German, Italian, Chinese, and Vietnamese.
AN
D TR
IALS
TREATMENT
inductiOn OF giOVanna spinella Creating a standard
of care for Duchenne
patients has been a
long-standing need
in our community. In
2007 PPMD hired Dr.
Giovanna M. Spinella
as its medical director
to provide an all-important objective, expert
voice to help guide the process of creating
the standard.
Dr. Spinella is a pediatric neurologist with
16 years of experience at the National
Institutes of Health (NIH), the country’s
leading medical research agency. She is a
consultant for the Office of Rare Diseases at
the NIH and spent four years as the science
program director for that office. Dr. Spinella
is a resident of Falls Church, Virginia, and
until recently served as staff neurologist at
Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
“Trying to create programs where one can
offer the highest quality clinical care is a
challenging and exciting opportunity,” said
Dr. Spinella. “I think we can raise the bar on
the care, health, and quality of life for the
boys with Duchenne. Because care for
these boys is now irregular and inconsistent,
a standard approach is needed to get
accurate data.”
We look forward to working with Dr. Spinella
in improving the treatment and care of boys
with Duchenne.
cincinnati children’s hOspital Because treatment for Duchenne is so complicated, patients and their families have
traditionally juggled appointments at many specialists’ offices, usually in many locations.
And then, often, there’s very little communication between care providers.
Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy has worked with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital (CCH)
over several years to create a new model for care. Families travel to Cincinnati, and
CCH puts them up in a hotel for a few days. Before they arrive, a concierge organizes
appointments with the many specialists the family needs to see during their visit. The team
of specialists works together to assess the needs of each patient, and they stay in contact
with the patient’s primary care physician in his hometown.
The treatment for Duchenne at CCH has generated interest from hospitals in other cities—
including Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia, Denver, and Kansas City—which hope to
duplicate CCH’s excellent interdisciplinary care model.
AND TRIALSTR
EA
TME
NT
cOnnecting tO end duchenne John and Kristin Hiatt
knew something was
wrong with their son
Liam. The symptoms
led them to suspect
Duchenne, but doctors
in Chicago hospitals
told them it was
simple motor delay. Unconvinced, they hit the
Internet and discovered PPMD’s website.
Upon recommendations from Pat Furlong
(and other parents) they contacted Dr. Brenda
Wong, Doctor of Neurology at Cincinnati
Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and
made the four-hour drive from the Chicago
area for testing.
“If we could clone Dr. Wong and put her
(and CCH’s standards of care) in the Chicago
hospital system, it would save us a very long
commute,” says John, “but it’s well worth the
trip. Their approach is comprehensive and
proactive. For example, we now have a
cough assist machine to help keep Liam’s
lungs clear. If we’d followed our Chicago
doctors’ advice, we would have waited until
he developed pneumonia.”
The Hiatts are also registered members
of DuchenneConnect. “Other MD databases
confuse potential registrants with issues
of eligibility and present great difficulty in
getting quick answers to questions.
DuchenneConnect is set up clearly and
is easier to use and understand.”
AD
VO
CA
CY
Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy has facilitated interactions between families and
members of Congress for years through the annual Advocacy Conference in
Washington, DC, legislative roundtables, and more. Our efforts have secured tens
of millions of dollars toward Duchenne research and care centers from the Centers
for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
adVOcacy stats
• In 2001, Congress passed the MD-Care
Act, the first legislation for muscular
dystrophy. It is also the only condition-
specific legislation to become law in
recent years
• Since passage of MD-Care Act, more
than $200 million has been invested in
muscular dystrophy research with more
than $45 million going to Duchenne-
specific research
• A total of six Wellstone Centers of
Excellence have been established
because of MD-Care Act
• PPMD’s annual Advocacy Conference
unites hundreds of families from across
the United States and is the only
organized Duchenne advocacy event
• PPMD’s advocates visit hundreds of
congressional offices annually urging
an increase in funding at the National
Institutes of Health and the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention
• Pat Furlong is a board member of the
MDCC (Muscular Dystrophy Coordinating
Committee), and a committee member
on the Collaboration in Education and
Test Translation Program
• Pat Furlong also serves on the data
safety monitoring board for both the
Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network
and Cooperative International Neuro-
muscular Research Group
the Md-care act Because Duchenne is a “rare disorder” (any disease or disorder with fewer than 200,000
cases in the United States), government funding is vital in our fight. Without governmental
investment, a rare disorder like Duchenne will fall to the wayside.
PPMD was instrumental in getting Congress to pass the Muscular Dystrophy Community
Assistance, Research, and Education (MD-CARE) Act, the first legislation addressing
muscular dystrophy. This monumental legislation was the catalyst for true investment
into research, clinical trials, and care considerations for Duchenne. We continue to work
with Congress to ensure that the bill is reauthorized.
end duchenne caMpaign Raising awareness is vital in our efforts to end Duchenne.
In 2007, PPMD launched an outreach and awareness
campaign designed to inspire people who aren’t
affected by Duchenne to get involved, and rally those
who are. The End Duchenne campaign turns our
supporters into advocates and champions of our cause.
Using new media online and off, we are giving our
supporters opportunities to take action, invite friends
and family to join the movement to end Duchenne,
find new members of our community, post photos,
and more.
EDUCATIONAN
D A
WA
RE
NE
SS
Every boy deserves to climb higher, walk farther, breathe deeper, and live longer.
I will support researchers until all boys with Duchenne can turn to an effective treatment.
I will advocate on behalf of families affected by Duchenne.
I will help connect the Duchenne community.
I will raise awareness about Duchenne.
I will join Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy in the fight to end Duchenne.
Sign online at EndDuchenne.org.
THE
PLE
DG
E TO
END DUCHENNE
EDUCATIONAN
D A
WA
RE
NE
SS
public serVice annOunceMent: haVe yOu seen this bOy? In 2007, PPMD was honored by Oscar®-winning
actress Olympia Dukakis’ appearance in a series of
public service announcements entitled “Have You
Seen This Boy?” Ms. Dukakis helps visitors recognize
and understand the initial symptoms of Duchenne.
The PSAs, released in 15-, 30-, and 60-second
versions, are part of a concerted effort by PPMD
and its partners to reach families and caregivers
who may be unfamiliar with the symptoms, causes,
and treatment of Duchenne. We’ve distributed
them to television networks and major radio stations nationally and have already helped
several previously undiagnosed families recognize symptoms and seek a diagnosis. Our
goal is to reach young men as early as possible so that they can get the care necessary
to have happy and fulfilling lives. You can view the PSA online on our media page.
educatiOnal Outreach prOgraM In a 2006 PPMD-sponsored national survey, less than 20% of respondents had heard
of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Of those that claimed to have heard of it, less than
half could identify its symptoms. PPMD’s educational outreach program was created to
address this lack of awareness.
In 2007 PPMD greatly expanded its education outreach program. Funded through
a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the program seeks to
educate parents, educators, and healthcare professionals in recognizing symptoms of
Duchenne, with the goal of early diagnosis and optimal treatment and care.
At the suggestion of our Advisory Team, we selected the state of Mississippi to pilot
the program (using the city of Jackson as our local hub). Engaging an active network
of parent volunteers and local healthcare providers, the program has already been
successful in reaching several families that had not yet received Duchenne diagnoses.
We now have plans to expand these educational outreach efforts regionally and in
several other locations nationally.
run FOr Our sOns Website In response to the enormous success of our
distance running sponsorship events, PPMD
created the Run For Our Sons website, where
runners, families, sponsors, and fans can come
together to raise money for Duchenne research
and treatment. Run for Our Sons also provides an
important new way for members of the Duchenne
community to come together and take action.
Since 2005, more than 400 runners have joined Run For Our Sons teams, which participate in
races across the country. They have raised more than $2.5 million for PPMD.
With its combination of fundraising and training tips, racing opportunities and schedules, and
personal blogs and stories, the Run For Our Sons website has flourished as more and more
people discover the rewards of helping a truly worthy cause while having a great time and
meeting wonderful people.
running tO end duchenne Many people discover
Run For Our Sons
while looking for running
opportunities. Jen Alleva,
an accountant from
southern New Jersey,
discovered running while
looking for a way to help. After learning that
her former classmate had a son with Duchenne,
Jen joined her friend on a fundraising run for
PPMD and was instantly hooked.
Jen exemplifies the spirit behind the success
of Run For Our Sons. By her own admission,
she’s not a professional athlete. “I don’t go
very fast,” she laughs, “but I get there!” She
knows that every step she takes helps others.
Since that first half-marathon in 2006, Jen has
followed up with fundraising races in 2007 and
2008. Along the way, she’s recruited sponsors
and friends to the cause. In fact,in just three
years, she and her friends have raised an
estimated $30,000 for Duchenne research.
For Jen, the rewards are with her at every
race. “Seeing families with their sons at the
events warms my heart and makes me want to
run even more.” And she’s not slowing down.
Not only is she lining up more races with Run
For Our Sons, she’s even gotten her whole
family involved. At the 2007 Rocky Run, Jen
ran with her husband and three kids, as well as
her old classmate and her son with Duchenne.
OU
R SO
NS
RUN FOR
PPMD is the only organization that hosts an annual conference each year so that our entire
community of families, health professionals, and researchers can come together for discussion
and support. Attendance at PPMD’s annual conference grows at a rate of approximately
20% each year, with participants learning, connecting, and sharing their experiences.
cOnnect cOnFerence At PPMD’s Connect Conferences the remarkable, committed, and distinguished members
of the Duchenne community come together to speak, listen, share, and learn. The conference
serves as a terrific opportunity to see how much we have accomplished over the past year
and to view the challenges ahead. We offer our deepest thanks to all who participate.
COMMUNITY
cOnFerence highlights Expert presentations, including
• Drug development & regulatory practices
• Latest care and treatment options
• Advocacy
• Research strategies
Panel discussions, including
• Communication and behavior
• Global standards of care
• Outcome measures for trials
• Supplements and nutraceuticals
• Physical therapy
• Technology
Participatory activities, including
• Practical demonstrations with qualified professionals: physical therapy techniques, cough assist, empowerment (advocating for your son), and more
• The Rocky Run (a running celebration up the Philadelphia art museum steps made famous in the Rocky films)
• Numerous get-acquainted meals and social events
getting tOgether tO end duchenne
More and more, we’re presenting material in a panel discussion format to allow for com-
parison and discussion among experts in the Duchenne field. Families benefit tremendously
from these conversations, as well as from the opportunity of meeting other families dealing
with similar issues.
Jennifer Garofalo is
a stay-at-home mom
in Middlesex, New
Jersey with two sons.
Her oldest, Daniel,
Jr., is 6 years old and
has Duchenne. Jen
and her husband went
to their first PPMD Connect Conference in
2007 and can’t wait to go back.
“It means a lot, meeting all of the families,”
she says. “And the all-inclusive nature of
the Connect Conference makes you feel as
though you’re getting a better overall
picture of the state of Duchenne research.”
When asked what she and her husband
value most about the conference, she says,
“My husband loves the research
presentations; he wants to know everything
about what’s happening at the cellular level.
I’m more into the breakout sessions, where
I can meet other moms and dads and learn
practical ways of dealing with specific topics,
like behavioral issues. It’s incredibly helpful.”
Jen is looking forward to bringing her sons
along when they’re a little older. “Seeing all
the boys together, you realize that it’s one of
the few times during the year that they get
to feel “normal,” since they’re surrounded
by kids who are going through the same thing.”
She pauses. “I think that’s true for the
parents, too.”
Get involved today. We offer numerous, simple ways to support the work of
Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy:
• Make a donation
• Join S.T.I.R., our monthly giving plan
• Invite others to make donations
• Host an event
• Join or support a Run For Our Sons team
• Sign up at DuchenneConnect.org
• Get active on the PPMD community site
• Advocate to your congressional representative
• Teach others about Duchenne
• Attend the conference
• Attend our roundtable discussions
• Visit ParentProjectMD.org to learn more
Next time you lift your fork, brush your teeth, hug a loved one, or even take a moment
for that really satisfying yawn and stretch in the middle of the afternoon, think about
a young man with Duchenne. The simplest movements—even just holding this book
and flipping through the pages—can be complex and challenging activities.
Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy is leading the fight to end Duchenne. And your continued support is integral to our success. We must end Duchenne. And we will end Duchenne.
END DUCHENNEH
ELP
US
ParentProjectMD.org
LEADING THE FIGHT TO
END DUCHENNE
ParentProjectMD.org
Our MissiOnTo improve the treatment, quality of life and long-term outlook for all individuals affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy through research, education, advocacy and compassion.
Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy158 Linwood Plaza, Suite 220Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024
T.800.714.5437•201.944.9985F.201.944.9987
PAR
EN
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USC
ULA
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FINANCIA
LS
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES For the Years Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007
Unrestricted Net Assets 2008 2007
Revenue and Other Support
Grants and Contributions $ 1,770,887 $ 2,368,742
Program Revenue 60,209 72,108
Investment Gain (1,615) (1,126)
Interest and Dividend Income 3,136 5,057
Fundraising Proceeds 2,087,505 2,231,574
(net of direct expenses of $681,383 and $431,685, respectively)
Total Revenue and Other Support
3,920,122
4,676,355
Expenses
Program Services
3,633,050
3,894,249
Management and General Expenses
449,032
411,128
Fundraising Expenses
278,298
309,876
Total Expenses
4,360,380
4,615,253
Increase (Decrease) in Unrestricted Net Assets
(440,258)
61,102
Net Assets Net Assets, Beginning of Period
540,141
479,039
Net Assets, End of Period
$ 99,883
$ 540,141
Copies of the full 2008 and 2007 audits are available upon request. See reverse side for Statement of Functional Expenses.
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STATEMENT OF FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES For the Year Ended December 31, 2008 with Comparative Totals for 2007
Research Education Advocacy Mgmt. & Fundraising 2008 2007 General Total Total
Salaries $ 242,217 259,952 536 72,958 62,654 638,317 586,012
Contract Labor 3,500 – – – – 3,500 6,900
Payroll Taxes 24,059 20,511 41 7,642 6,223 58,476 50,384
Employee Benefits – – – 18,588 – 18,588 16,112
Accounting Fees – 1,715 – 57,538 15,000 74,253 75,839
Conferences
and Meetings – 320,252 48,614 – – 368,866 335,619
Legal Fees 39,178 1,725 – 40,345 11,388 92,636 23,463
Bank Charges 9 – – 18,633 59,339 77,981 28,444
Interest Expense – – – 329 – 329 246
Fees and Permits 10,125 750 2,677 – 5,283 18,835 10,465
Insurance – 7,908 – 60,673 – 68,581 64,016
Outside Services – 47,000 – 1,800 2,300 51,100 57,355
Office and Computer
Expenses 482 5,431 – 32,628 12,727 51,268 62,203
Technology – 171,793 – 860 – 172,653 45,258
Rent 35,846 18,598 753 10,797 9,272 75,266 73,228
Postage and Shipping – 27,918 – 3,588 7,176 38,682 44,730
DVDs and CDs – 30,357 – – – 30,357 98,180
Printing and
Publications – 34,756 – 9,271 20,648 64,675 76,456
Consulting Fees 159,530 373,290 310,231 58,878 37,270 939,199 1,163,044
Telephone – 24,157 349 3,451 6,902 34,859 25,519
Merchandise – – – – 12,324 12,324 9,567
Travel 139,781 59,912 8,484 37,271 5,822 251,270 328,760
Meals and
Entertainment 19,665 6,136 604 10,603 791 37,799 52,160
Translation – 19,919 – – – 19,919 1,000
CDC Activity – 23,757 – – – 23,757 –
Internet Access – – – – – – 89,310
Total Before Grants
and Depreciation 674,392 1,455,837 372,289 445,853 275,119 3,223,490 3,324,270
Grants 812,816 314,441 – – – 1,127,257 1,281,849
Depreciation – 3,179 96 3,179 3,179 9,633 8,832
Loss on Disposal
of Equipment – – – – – – 302
Total Functional
Expenses $ 1,487,208 1,773,457 372,385 449,032 278,298 4,360,380 4,615,253
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FFBOARD OF DIRECTORS John Killian, Chairman, Rockwall, TX
Robert Nutt, Treasurer, Darien, IL
Christine Piacentino, Secretary, Penfield, NY
Neil Brandom, Newport Beach, CA
David Drohan, Barrington, IL
John Hiatt, Woodridge, IL
Claudia Hirawat, South Plainfield, NJ
Chuck Hurwitz, Lexington, MA
Howard Kaplan*, Riverwoods, IL
Brian Levin, Englewood, CO
James Poysky, Houston, TX
Donna Saccomano*, New Rochelle, NY
Jeff Sobel, Chicago, IL
Trent Spear, Oconomowoc, WI
Donna Tomaselli, Highland Park, NJ
Larry Weisman, Westport, CT
* lifetime, non-voting board member
STAFF
Pat Furlong, President, CEO
Kimberly Galberaith, Executive Vice President
Will Nolan, Communications Director
Ryan Fischer, Outreach Manager
Sandra Goldman
Janet Krakowski
Sue Mahlock
Stephanie Matthes
Cecilia Matthes-Petersen
Sandy Simpson
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