#United States #Washington #Duchenne #PPMD #Bad Shirt Friday

Kicking Off World Duchenne Awareness Day 2025

On September 7, 2025, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), a leading nonprofit organization in the fight against Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy, joins forces with global organizations to mark World Duchenne Awareness Day. This year’s celebration features the inaugural Bad Shirt Friday, an initiative designed to engage families and communities in raising awareness while having a bit of fun.

A Unique Way to Raise Awareness: Bad Shirt Friday

Bad Shirt Friday invites everyone to wear their most outrageous or “bad” shirts to shine a light on the Duchenne and Becker community. Participants are encouraged to share their images on social media under the hashtag #BadShirtFriday, which helps amplify the cause while fostering camaraderie among families, friends, and allies. Companies are also invited to participate through a sponsored challenge, where by creating a fundraising page and encouraging employees to dress down for donations, they can promote both awareness and contributions to PPMD.

PPMD's Founding President, Pat Furlong, emphasizes the importance of family involvement, stating, “This year, as we approach World Duchenne Awareness Day and its theme, Family: The Heart of Care, Bad Shirt Friday allows us to show that families are central to both care and advocacy.” Participants are encouraged to express their support not just through their attire but also by engaging in fundraising efforts which will directly benefit the Duchenne community.

Documentary Premiere at the United Nations

In tandem with Bad Shirt Friday, PPMD will also mark World Duchenne Awareness Day with a notable presence at the United Nations for a premiere of a globally created documentary. This evocative film focuses on the personal stories of families affected by Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy, emphasizing the theme of resilience and support - the foundational elements of family. The documentary serves as both a tribute to these families and a powerful call to action for awareness and support of the Duchenne community.

Resources for Families

In preparation for this day of activism and solidarity, PPMD has put together an extensive Family Activation Guide to aid families in spreading awareness. This toolkit includes:

• - Social media graphics and templates: Ready-to-use content for individuals to post at their convenience.
• - Ideas for activities: Engaging family-friendly activities to promote the cause within local communities.
• - Sample posts and captions: Crafted messages that families can utilize to share their journeys and amplify the awareness message that surrounds Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy.

Families can access the Family Activation Guide through the PPMD website to learn more about how to actively participate in World Duchenne Awareness Day. The aim is to unite families in raising their voices and sharing their experiences throughout the day.

PPMD's Ongoing Mission

Duchenne is a devastating genetic disorder leading to the gradual loss of muscle strength. Since its inception in 1994, PPMD has been on a relentless quest to combat Duchenne through various pathways, including providing access to top-notch healthcare, cutting-edge treatments, robust advocacy for funding, and community support. The organization has successfully secured hundreds of millions in funding and achieved eight FDA approvals for treatments, all geared towards improving the lives of those living with Duchenne.

PPMD firmly believes that through collective efforts, we can change the trajectory of Duchenne for present and future generations. We will not rest until we end Duchenne for every single person impacted by this debilitating condition. To learn more about our fight and how you can contribute, visit EndDuchenne.org and follow PPMD on social media channels including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.