Contributions to the Greg Marzolf Jr. Foundation directly support researchers working to find a cure for neurological diseases at the Greg Marzolf Jr. Muscular Dystrophy Center at the University of Minnesota. Visit our Donate page to support this important research.
About the Greg Marzolf Jr. Muscular Dystrophy Center
The Greg Marzolf Jr. Muscular Dystrophy Center (MD Center) at the University of Minnesota Medical School is a multi-disciplinary scientific, translational, and clinical hub of research, education, and clinical care related to a wide range of muscular dystrophies and other neuromuscular disorders.
Our Mission
To help families, clinicians, and scientists speak a common language as they strive towards their shared goal of optimizing research, education, and clinical care for muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular disorders.
Our Vision
To be a leader in the development of novel molecular diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular disorders, and to be an internationally renowned educational and training site for a range of scientists and clinicians who wish to study and treat these disorders.
Our History
The MD Center was founded in 1995 as the Center for Muscle and Muscle Disorder. In 2001, it was officially integrated into the University of Minnesota’s Academic Health Center. In 2003, it was named the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Center in honor of the late couple who fought for muscular dystrophy patients locally and in the Senate, the latter most notably through support for the Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research, and Education (MD CARE) Act enacted in 2001.
In 2024, the center was renamed the Greg Marzolf Jr. Muscular Dystrophy Center to honor the life and legacy of Greg Marzolf Jr. who passed away from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in 2001 at the age of 20. Greg’s tenacious spirit and excep tional life continues through the generous support of the Greg Marzolf Jr. Foundation, which continues to support undergraduate training, faculty seed projects, and translational research initiatives for muscular dystrophy at the University of Minnesota.
Facts about the MD Center
- The MD Center has become a premier site for trainees interested in neuromuscular disease.
- The MDCenter has the largest NIH T32 training program in the country for muscle research, supporting predoctoral, postdoctoral, and both clinical and basic trainees.
- The MDCenter has developed a community program that is dedicated to educating the neuromuscular community by providing support groups, family events, and presenting at local and national conferences. The goals are to foster improved patient care as well as increase awareness of research opportunities.
Contact the Greg Marzolf Jr. Muscular Dystrophy Center
Phone: 612-626-0822
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