New Service in the area: Muscular Dystrophy Ireland

Muscular Dystrophy Ireland

Muscular Dystrophy Ireland (MDI) is a voluntary organization, which was established in 1972 by a small group of people in the west of Ireland to support families who had a member with muscular dystrophy. Since then it has grown considerably and it now has a membership of over 580 members and a network of branches throughout Ireland. MDI’s primary objective is to provide information and support for people and their families who are affected by muscular dystrophy and allied neuromuscular conditions.

Muscular dystrophy is the collective name for a range of neuromuscular conditions, which are characterized by the progressive weakening and wasting of the muscles. It can affect adults and children. Some forms arise at birth or in childhood, others may not manifest themselves until later in life. Each type of muscular dystrophy arises from a different genetic mutation or deletion which is inherited from one or both parents, or is due to a spontaneous mutation. This means that there are many families who have more than one member with the condition.

There is no cure for muscular dystrophy but there have been huge advances in increasing the quality of life for people with the condition and scientists around the world are working hard to develop new treatments.

MDI provides support to individuals and families to assist them to live an independent life of their own choosing. Family Support Workers and Youth / Respite Workers work throughout Ireland and national supports including information and research, transport, respite, fundraising and PR are coordinated from MDI’s new Head Office in Chapelizod, Dublin 20. This building also houses a fully accessible apartment which is available for short term breaks for individuals and families.

For more information please contact:

Muscular Dystrophy Ireland

75 Lucan Road

Chapelizod

Dublin 20

Tel: 01 6236414

Fax: 01 6208663

Email: info@mdi.ie

Web: http://www.mdi.ie/