Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy

Sam's Night Raises $1.7M for Duchenne Research and Care

Dallas – October 16, 2026 -- The 21st annual Sam's Night raised $1.7 million, based on preliminary totals at press time, for Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), and donations are still open at SamsNight.org. The Killian family of Rockwall, Texas, hosted the fundraiser on Thursday, October 15, at Victory Social.

Sam's Night has raised more than $10 million since it began

The event started more than two decades ago as Sam's Family Fun Day. It has grown alongside Sam Killian, now 24, who was diagnosed with Duchenne in 2005. Today it is an evening fundraiser that draws the Killians' friends, family, colleagues, and supporters.

The money supports PPMD's work on research, care, advocacy, and access to therapies. PPMD describes itself as the leading U.S. nonprofit driving Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy care, research, and advocacy.

PPMD Marks World Duchenne Awareness Day With 'Bad Shirt Friday'

Washington – September 08, 2026 -- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) is joining the global Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy community to mark World Duchenne Awareness Day on September 7th, a date recognized by the United Nations.

This Year's Theme Focuses on Access to Care

The 2026 theme, "Access Changes Lives," spotlights the need for people living with Duchenne and Becker to reach trusted information, knowledgeable care, appropriate therapies, clinical trial opportunities, and community support. PPMD says access should not depend on where someone lives or what resources they have.

"Access can change the trajectory of a person's life," said Katherine Beaverson, PPMD's Chief Executive Officer. She added that PPMD is committed to breaking down barriers so families can make informed decisions and benefit from scientific progress.