The Valparaiso football program, in partnership with the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), will be participating in the 6th annual Coach To Cure MD this Saturday, Sept. 28, at 1 p.m. when the Crusaders host Campbell University at Brown Field. The goal of Coach To Cure MD is to raise awareness of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed during childhood.

Valparaiso head coach Dale Carlson, a member of the American Football Coaches Association, will join other AFCA members in wearing a Coach To Cure MD logo patch on the sidelines. By wearing this patch, coaches will show their support for Coach To Cure MD and the fight against muscular dystrophy. Muscular dystrophy is a progressive muscle disorder that causes loss of muscle function and independence. Duchenne affects approximately 1 in 3,500 boys worldwide.

“Duchenne MD is a crippling disease that affects so many children every year. I am pleased to have Valpo Football partner with the American Football Coaches Association and the Coach to Cure program again this year,” Carlson said.

Fans in attendance Saturday will be asked to donate to research projects supported by Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), the largest muscular dystrophy nonprofit in the country. Donations can also be made online at www.CoachtoCureMD.org or by texting the word CURE to 90999 (a $5 donation will automatically be added to your next phone bill).

“Please consider donating to help eradicate this disease,” Carlson said.