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.
Bad Shirt Friday Returns for a Second Year
World Duchenne Awareness Day activities began today with the second annual Bad Shirt Friday. Families, friends, and allies are encouraged to wear their most outrageous shirts, share photos using #BadShirtFriday, and consider donating to support PPMD's mission.
A Bad Shirt Friday Workplace Challenge invites companies to set up fundraising pages so employees can wear bad shirts in exchange for donations, then share the results on social media.
"When people wear their worst shirts, they create an opportunity to talk about Duchenne and Becker—and about what it takes to ensure that every person affected has access to what they need," said Pat Furlong, PPMD's Founding President.
Family Activation Guide Offers Ready-to-Use Resources
PPMD has released a Family Activation Guide containing social media graphics, sample posts, captions, and activity ideas to help families share their stories and raise awareness throughout September. The organization is also inviting community members to share what "access" personally means to them during the month.