'Coach to Cure' fundraiser to be held this week

Published Sep. 23, 2015 11:34 a.m. ET

foxsports

(STATS) - Coaches across college football will participate this week in the eighth annual "Coach to Cure MD" program by wearing a special arm patch to raise awareness of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

A partnership between the American Football Coaches Association and Parent Project MD has raised more than $1.25 million in donations for the most common fatal childhood genetic disorder, which primarily affects boys. DMD is a progressive disorder that causes loss of muscle function and independence. Researchers have yet to find a cure.

Last year, more than 10,000 college coaches at 600 different institutions participated in "Coach To Cure MD."

Fans are encouraged to donate $5 by texting the word CURE to 90999, or can donate online at CoachtoCureMD.org.