Ithaca College

Utica, N.Y. -- On Saturday, September 26, thousands of coaches -- including the staffs of Ithaca College and Utica College -- nationwide in all levels of collegiate football will come together to raise awareness and research funding for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy by wearing a "Coach to Cure MD" logo patch on the sidelines.

"College football coaches are dedicated to the betterment of young men and that's why the entire coaching profession is proud to be a part of Coach to Cure MD," said Grant Teaff, American Football Coaches Association executive director. "Our coaches are determined to beat Duchenne muscular dystrophy and we need college football fans to help."

On Saturday college football fans will be asked to donate to research projects supported by Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, the largest nonprofit organization in the U.S. focused entirely on Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Football fans can donate to Duchenne muscular dystrophy research 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 and standard text message rates apply).

Last year, over 2,675 college coaches participated in the inaugural Coach to Cure MD event. Teaff said he expects an even wider cross-section of coaches to participate in the program's second year. Families affected with Duchenne muscular dystrophy will also gather for fund-raising tailgate parties on campuses around the country to encourage more fans to get involved.