The PAUL G. ROGERS DISTINGUISHED ORGANIZATION ADVOCACY AWARD salutes the former Congressman and Research!America board chair, who knew the power of the patient and patient groups. This award  honors a public or private organization or institution that is a strong advocate for medical, public health, or other health-related research at the national, state, or local level. 

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is the #1 voluntary health organization in the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. For over 70 years, MDA has led the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating for the support of our families. MDA’s mission is to empower the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives.

MDA is dedicated to advocating for national policies and programs that support families with neuromuscular diseases by accelerating the development of therapies and cures, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment from day one, ensuring access to critical support, and promoting policies that safeguard independence for people living with disabilities. In addition to staff, MDA grassroots advocates make sure lawmakers in Washington, DC hear their voices by acting online, meeting with lawmakers virtually, engaging with social media, and sharing their stories with key decision-makers.

Donald S. Wood, PhD, is the president and CEO of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Prior to leading MDA’s mission, Dr. Wood served the organization in many leadership and volunteer capacities. He

 began his career as a research scientist and later became vice chair of MDA’s Board of Directors. He led MDA’s Task Force on Genetics, which played a crucial role in discovering the gene responsible for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This in turn, led to the establishment of neuromuscular disease as new, promising fields in the research and medical sectors. Dr. Wood began his career at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center as an NIH postdoctoral fellow and holds a PhD in physiology from Washington State University.