Congress Members Honored for Advancing Duchenne Research and Care

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy and Foundation to Eradicate Duchenne announce 2026 Advocacy Leadership Award recipients.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) and the Foundation to Eradicate Duchenne (FED) have announced the recipients of the 2026 Advocacy Leadership Awards, honoring bipartisan members of 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. The awards coincide with the 25th anniversary of the landmark Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research, and Education (MD-CARE) Act.

Why it matters

The Advocacy Leadership Awards recognize the critical role Congress plays in driving progress for the Duchenne and Becker community. The MD-CARE Act, enacted in 2001, has been instrumental in advancing scientific discovery, expanding clinical trial readiness, and improving standards of care for those affected by these devastating diseases.

The details

The 2026 Advocacy Leadership Award recipients are Representative Troy Balderson (OH-12), Senator Susan Collins (ME), Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN), Representative Doris Matsui (CA-07), and Senator Roger Wicker (MS). These members of Congress have demonstrated sustained advocacy and enduring impact on progress for the Duchenne and Becker community.

  • The Advocacy Leadership Awards were presented during PPMD's 2026 Advocacy Conference.
  • The awards coincide with the 25th anniversary of the landmark Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research, and Education (MD-CARE) Act, which was enacted in 2001.

The players

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD)

A nonprofit organization that fights to end Duchenne, a genetic disorder that slowly robs people of their muscle strength.

Foundation to Eradicate Duchenne (FED)

An organization devoted to scientific research and advocacy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, with a focus on targeted therapies.

Representative Troy Balderson

A member of Congress representing Ohio's 12th district.

Senator Susan Collins

A U.S. Senator from Maine.

Senator Amy Klobuchar

A U.S. Senator from Minnesota.

Representative Doris Matsui

A member of Congress representing California's 7th district.

Senator Roger Wicker

A U.S. Senator from Mississippi.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Lauren Stanford, PPMD's Senior Director of Advocacy (bakercityherald.com)

“The progress achieved over the past 25 years shows what's possible when advocacy, science, and policy move forward together.”

— Joel Wood, FED's President (bakercityherald.com)

The takeaway

The Advocacy Leadership Awards highlight the importance of bipartisan cooperation in advancing federal policies that support research, care, and access to therapies for individuals and families affected by Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. The recognition of these congressional champions underscores the critical role that policymakers play in driving progress for the Duchenne community.