Donate | Coach to Cure MD Website

THROGGS NECK, NY – During the Maritime College football team's game against Norwich on Saturday, the Privateers' coaching staff will participate in the 16^th Annual "Coach to Cure MD."  Started in 2008, "Coach to Cure MD" is a charity initiative involving members of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) that raises awareness for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne).

The most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed during childhood, Duchenne disproportionately affects young boys.  As the disease progresses, people with Duchenne develop muscle weakness that eventually causes loss of mobility and reliance on a wheelchair, as well as a decline in respiratory and cardiac function.  There is currently NO CURE, and life expectancy is until age 30.

"Our 16-year partnership with football coaches makes a major difference in raising awareness, and that keeps moving us closer to a cure for Duchenne," said Pat Furlong, the Founding President and CEO of Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD).  "Duchenne families are excited about our progress and determined to push towards an answer that works for all families battling this disorder."

An initiative of PPMD, "Coach to Cure MD" includes coaches from all three NCAA divisions.  The coaches will wear patches with the Coach to Cure MD logo during the game and educating fans about the cause on social media.  Schools will also invite young men battling Duchenne to their campuses for the game.

Maritime's special guest is Luke Perrin, a five-year-old from Rockland County who was diagnosed with Duchenne in June 2021 at age 3.  Luke is currently receiving care at Columbia University Irvington Medical Center (CUIMC), where he's taking part in a gene therapy clinical trial that was recently approved by the federal government.  Luke will be on the field during pregame and join the Privateers' captains for the coin toss.

"We're proud to stand with the brave families like the Perrins who are fighting Duchenne muscular dystrophy," Maritime Head Coach Mickey Rehring said.  "Luke is a very courageous young man who's been through a lot, and has battled every step of the way.  He truly embodies the Privateer spirit and our team's #WARFACE mentality.  It will be our honor to welcome him and his family as our guests."

Fans can engage with "Coach to Cure MD" by using the hashtag #TackleDuchenne on social media or texting the word "CURE" to 501501 to make a $25 donation.  Donations are also being accepted on Maritime's team fundraising page.

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
Duchenne is a fatal genetic disorder that slowly robs people of their muscle strength.  Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) fights every single battle necessary to end Duchenne.

We demand optimal care standards and ensure every family has access to expert healthcare providers, cutting edge treatments, and a community of support.  We invest deeply in treatments for this generation of Duchenne patients and in research that will benefit future generations.  Our advocacy efforts have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding and won five FDA approvals.

Everything we do—and everything we have done since our founding in 1994—helps those with Duchenne live longer, stronger lives.  We will not rest until we end Duchenne for every single person affected by the disease.  Join our fight against Duchenne at EndDuchenne.org.  Follow PPMD on Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram and YouTube.