PPMD, in partnership with the Foundation to Eradicate Duchenne (FED), is pleased to announce Representative Troy Balderson (OH-12), Senator Susan Collins (ME), Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN), Representative Doris Matsui (CA-07), and Senator Roger Wicker (MS) as recipients of the 2026 Advocacy Leadership Awards. The awards honor bipartisan leaders in Congress who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing federal policies that accelerate Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy research, strengthen care infrastructure, and expand access to life-changing therapies.
Presented during PPMD’s 2026 Advocacy Conference, this year’s awards coincide with the 25th anniversary of the landmark Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research, and Education (MD-CARE) Act and and recognize the recipients for their sustained advocacy and enduring impact on progress for the Duchenne and Becker community. Enacted in 2001, the MD-CARE Act established a coordinated federal framework to advance muscular dystrophy research, care, and therapeutic development. For 25 years, the Act has played a critical role in driving scientific discovery, expanding clinical trial readiness, and improving standards of care.
“The Advocacy Leadership Awards reflect the power of sustained, bipartisan advocacy and the critical role Congress plays in driving progress for the Duchenne and
Becker community,” said Lauren Stanford, PPMD’s Senior Director of Advocacy. “As we mark the 25th anniversary of the MD-CARE Act, we are proud to recognize these champions whose dedication has delivered meaningful outcomes for families. PPMD’s mission has always been rooted in partnership, and these leaders exemplify what is possible when policymakers listen to and stand with the community.”
“The progress achieved over the past 25 years shows what’s possible when advocacy, science, and policy move forward together,” said Joel Wood, FED’s President. “FED is honored to partner with PPMD in recognizing these members of Congress, whose leadership has helped accelerate research while advancing equitable access to therapies, strengthening neuromuscular care, and sustaining the federal research programs families rely on.”
Together, PPMD and FED remain focused on advancing policies that drive innovation, expand access to care, and improve quality of life for every individual living with Duchenne
and Becker. Similarly, the Advocacy Leadership Awards and the 2026 honorees reflect a shared commitment to ensuring that progress in research and policy translates into real-world impact for individuals and families affected by Duchenne and Becker now and for future generations.
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