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.
John Killian, Sam's father, said the family is still amazed by the support the event receives after 21 years.
Average lifespan has risen from the late teens to the mid-20s and early 30s
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a progressive genetic disorder that slowly robs people of their muscle strength. Since PPMD was founded in 1994, average lifespan has increased from the late teens and early 20s to the mid-20s and early 30s. Better multidisciplinary care and more therapeutic options have contributed to the gain.
More people with Duchenne are now reaching adulthood and pursuing education, careers, and relationships. PPMD Founding President Pat Furlong said Sam's story reflects that wider shift, and she thanked the Killians for bringing people together year after year.
Real estate, finance, and professional services firms sponsored the 2026 event
The sponsors include CBRE, Chicago Title, Clarion Partners, Colliers International, Cushman & Wakefield, Ernst & Young, Hillwood, JLL, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Vinson & Elkins, The UPS Store, and Wells Fargo. Others on the list are Bowman Creative Media, Dear John Paper Company, Fullmer Construction, and Willmeng Construction.