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The Society for Muscular Dystrophy Information International
P.O. Box 7490, Bridgewater, Phone: (902) 685-3961 |
The Society for Muscular Dystrophy Information International (S.M.D.I International), is a non-profit registered Canadian charity.
The Society was formed to provide international information to help people help themselves by reducing the national and international isolation of people and organizations concerned with neuromuscular disorders/disabilities (muscular dystrophy and the over 50 allied disorders). The following are some of these disorders:
The Society for Muscular Dystrophy Information International (S.M.D.I International) is a registered Canadian charity founded in 1983 by James and Linda Dobson; to provide a non-technical information link for neuromuscular patients and organizations around the world. Mr. Dobson has a type of neuromuscular disorder. It is general term used to identify a group of over 50 diseases affecting the body's motor unit (nerves and muscles). Whether the problem originates with the motor nerve cell, the nerve, or muscle, the most commonly express symptoms are varying degrees of progressive muscle weakness and wasting. Symptoms can be from mild to severe with a shortened life expectancy. Knowing personally the feeling of devastation and emotional isolation of being diagnosed with an incurable rare disorder, the Dobsons wanted to learn what was being done worldwide about neuromuscular disorders. Unable to find information or addresses in Canada, they wrote 1,000 letters to 128 countries. They were amazed, enlightened, and helped to find so many wonderful people and organizations publishing books, magazines, reports, funding research, providing client services and education concerning the different neuromuscular disorders. Motivated by the belief in power of this information to help people, the Society was formed to help people share information and:
S.M.D.I. INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER with an insert ACCESS-ABLE INFORMATION. Non-technical neuromuscular disorder/disability information by and for those concerned with muscular dystrophy or the over 50 allied disorders. For example, topics include: Reports on different disorders; research; world organizations; gene and myoblast research; ventilation; book reviews; controlling stress; travel; handy hints; aids & adaptations; pain management; What's New, etc. Publications to promote and encourage organizations and people concerned with muscular dystrophy or the allied disorders to work together for the common good of all. The Society's mail tells the stories of those helped by this information; many like the Dobsons, feeling alone, desperately seeking information about incurable diseases and contacts for their disorders. The Society's continued existence and publications depends on contributions toward receiving the Society's publications. Usual contribution: Individuals--$25 Organizations--$35 Canadian, U.S., or British funds acceptable. Please make out cheque or money order payable to S.M.D.I. International and mail to: Information International P.O. Box 7490, Bridgewater, Phone: (902) 685-3961 
Supported by Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centre Technical Resource Centre |
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