The Maritime College football team will join the nationwide charity project in partnership with the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and Coach to Cure MD. Over the last 11 years, Coach to Cure MD has raised awareness and money to fund research for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most prolific lethal genetic disorder of childhood. The Privateers are hosting William Paterson on September 28 at 1:00 p.m., where the coaching staff will be wearing sideline patches along with thousands of other AFCA members.

In the last 11 years, Coach to Cure MD has raised over $2.1 million and we encourage everybody to check out their fundraising site to learn more or donate. COACHTOCUREMD.ORG. Additionally, you can text the word "CURE" to 501501 to donate $25 on your next mobile phone bill.

"This weekend, thousands of college coaches join together to raise awareness for muscular dystrophy, a disorder that robs young children from the opportunity to participate in athletics, especially football," said head coach Mickey Rehring. "By using the game of football as a platform, this campaign is able to reach the masses to educate people about muscular dystrophy while fundraising to advance the medical research needed to help find a cure for this disorder. I am honored to have our program join this remarkable cause to tackle Duchenne and help find a cure for MD!"

A decade ago, few people in America knew about Duchenne and fewer still had reason to hope that any treatment for the fatal genetic disorder was on the horizon. Thanks in part to college football coaches, awareness of this disorder is at an all-time high and new treatments are in the pipeline – including two approved therapies – giving optimism for the families battling this progressive muscle disorder.

Coach to Cure MD is supported by thousands of college coaches at all levels of college football. The goal of the game is to raise awareness of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, generate financial support for Duchenne research, and demonstrate coaches commitment to the betterment of young men and the core academic research missions of their universities. Duchenne muscular dystrophy affects approximately 1 in 5,000 boys worldwide crossing all cultures and races. To date, there is no cure and life expectancy if just in the 20s.

Be sure to show your support this Saturday!!