WASHINGTON, D.C. – For the 14th year, college football coaches nationwide including the Moravian University staff will join in support of the Coach To Cure MD program, held during games of Saturday, September 25, 2021 when the Greyhounds host No. 18 Johns Hopkins University for a 1:00 p.m. Centennial Conference kickoff at Rocco Calvo Field. The annual effort has raised more than $2.1 million to battle Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne).

"We proudly participate in this day once again this season and missed being a part of it last fall as the pandemic disrupted the effort somewhat," noted Moravian Head Coach Jeff Pukszyn. "Coach to Cure MD is such a great cause, and we look forward each year to doing what we can to contribute to the project."

On the weekend of Sept. 25, American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) members will once again wear the traditional Coach To Cure MD logo patch on the sidelines, and college football fans will be asked to donate to research projects supported by Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), the largest, most comprehensive nonprofit organization in the U.S. focused entirely on Duchenne. Many of those games will recognize a local Duchenne family on the field before or during the game.

Coach To Cure MD began in 2008 with more than 200 schools and 2,675 coaches involved. Fourteen years later, that effort has expanded to 620 different schools and more than 11,350 coaches wearing the logo patch on the sidelines and participating in Coach To Cure MD events – a growth of more than 325 percent.

"As football coaches, the members of the AFCA are dedicated to improving the lives of young men - both our players and those boys battling Duchenne muscular dystrophy," said Northwestern Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald, President of the AFCA Board of Trustees this year. "I've met some of these boys personally on my campus and their courage is inspiring. We are proud to step up in this fight as coaches and we hope college football fans will join us in driving the search for a cure to this awful disorder." Fitzgerald is one of many coaches who have hosted boys battling Duchenne on campus as honorary team captains. 

Werner Ladder, the presenting sponsor, invites college fans to "Step Up With Werner" and support the cause by donating online at www.ParentProjectMD.org in honor of their favorite college coach, or by texting the word CURE to 501501 to make a $25 donation on their next mobile phone bill. 

"The entire Duchenne community is grateful to the AFCA and football coaches for embracing our cause and shining the spotlight on Duchenne muscular dystrophy," said Pat Furlong, Founding President and CEO of Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy. "Working together, we have increased awareness, and driven fundraising that is making a difference in the development of new therapies, and hopefully one day, a cure for Duchenne." 

Duchenne MD is a progressive muscle disorder that robs primarily young men of their mobility, often in their teens, and then eventually respiratory and cardiac function.

"This cause is a proud partnership for football coaches," said Todd Berry, Executive Director of the AFCA. "It demonstrates the values of our profession and directs a bit of the passion of college football to a very worthy cause – we look forward to it again this year."

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About the AFCA

The AFCA was founded in 1922 and currently has more than 11,000 members around the world ranging from the high school level to the professional ranks. According to its constitution, the AFCA was formed, in part, to "maintain the highest possible standards in football and in the coaching profession" and to "provide a forum for the discussion and study of all matters pertaining to football."

About Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) is the largest, most comprehensive nonprofit organization in the United States focused on finding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy – our mission is to end Duchenne. We invest deeply in treatments for this generation of people affected by Duchenne and in research that will benefit future generations. We advocate in Washington, D.C. We demand optimal care, and we strengthen, unite and educate the global Duchenne community. Go to www.ParentProjectMD.org to learn how you can support our efforts and help families affected by Duchenne. Follow PPMD on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Parts of release courtesy from AFCA.