For the fifth year in a row, the Illinois Wesleyan coaching staff, along with college coaches nationwide, will join together in support of the Coach To Cure MD program, Saturday (Sept. 29), by wearing a Coach To Cure MD logo patch on the sidelines.

The annual effort has raised more than a million dollars to battle and bring awareness to Duchenne muscular dystrophy (MD). Last year alone, more than 10,000 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) coaches at 505 different schools participated in Coach To Cure MD, raising more money than years past.

"The AFCA is proud of the fact that Coach To Cure MD has surpassed one million dollars in donations," said Grant Teaff, executive director of the AFCA and former coach at Baylor. "Our coaches have only grown more enthusiastic for this cause in each othe last four years. We're confident this season will once again set a record for participation on the field in September."

MD is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed during childhood, primiarly affecting boys across all races and cultures. People with Duchenne muscular dystrophy develop progressive muscle weakness, leading to loss of mobility, wheelchair dependency, and a decline in respiratory and cardiac function. Currently, there is no cure for MD, and only limited therapeutic options exist.

In addition to the coaches' efforts, families affected with MD will also gather for fundraising tailgate parties on campuses across the country to engage fan involvement.

Donations to Duchenne muscular dystrophy research can be made by either going online to www.CoachtoCureMD.org, or by texting the word "CURE" to 90999 (a $5 donation will automatically be added to your next phone bill). 

Titan football coaches will sport their Coach To Cure MD patches against Millikin at Tucci Stadium Saturday evening at 6.