On Sept. 13, 2026, TD Garden—the arena that hosts the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins, situated atop North Station—glowed with green lighting to mark International Myotonic Dystrophy Awareness Day.
Jim Dolan and Ethan Zolit stand alongside Somerville Mayor Jake Wilson and Ward 1 City Councillor Matt McLaughlin at Somerville City Hall on Sept. 10, 2026, following the City Council’s approval of McLaughlin’s resolution designating Myotonic Dystrophy Awareness Day.
Official state declaration follows efforts by Somerville’s Jim Dolan and a series of municipal recognitions throughout Massachusetts
I discovered that a single email can unlock opportunities. My advice to others is straightforward: hit send. The worst outcome is a refusal, but approval is just as probable.— Jim Dolan, MDF Support Group Facilitator
SOMERVILLE, MA, UNITED STATES, September 15, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Massachusetts has officially declared September 15, 2026, as Myotonic Dystrophy Day, acknowledging the effects of this uncommon, hereditary condition and backing enhanced public awareness, scientific investigation, and support services for those affected by myotonic dystrophy (DM) and their families.
Governor Maura T. Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kimberley Driscoll, and Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin all signed the proclamation. It underscores the severity of DM and endorses the objectives of International Myotonic Dystrophy Awareness Day, which include education, research, biopharmaceutical progress, and policies benefiting individuals living with DM and their caregivers.
This statewide acknowledgment originated from the advocacy of Jim Dolan, a Somerville resident diagnosed with DM1 who leads the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation’s (MDF) Affected Men’s Support Group. Dolan received his DM1 diagnosis in 2022 after roughly two decades of incorrect diagnoses. Upon connecting with MDF and the broader DM community, he launched efforts to raise awareness across Massachusetts. He subsequently participated as a panelist in an MDF advocacy webinar, urging others to reach out to their local and state representatives.
What started as Dolan’s individual outreach expanded into multiple days of recognition throughout Massachusetts. On Sept. 10, the Somerville City Council passed a resolution introduced by Ward 1 City Councillor Matt McLaughlin and endorsed by Mayor Jake Wilson. Both leaders addressed attendees at a City Hall event joined by DM community members. Recognition also spread westward to Amherst, where resident Jane Mairs’ advocacy led to an Amherst Town Council proclamation sponsored by District 5 Councilor Ana Devlin-Gauthier and signed by Council President Mandi Jo Hanneke. Three days following the Somerville gathering, TD Garden, the venue for the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins, shone with green lights. On Sept. 14, Dolan and fellow DM community members convened in the Massachusetts House Chamber alongside State Senator Patricia D. Jehlen and State Representative Mike Connolly, who sponsored a joint resolution before the Massachusetts General Court recognizing Myotonic Dystrophy Awareness Day. Additionally, Boston City Hall Plaza is set to be lit green on Sept. 15.
“When I initially learned about International Myotonic Dystrophy Awareness Day, I figured Massachusetts had it covered,” Dolan remarked. “I came to realize that one email can unlock doors. What appeared challenging came together far more quickly than anticipated. My message to everyone is straightforward: send the email. The worst response is no, but yes is equally possible.”
Myotonic dystrophy is a progressive, multi-system genetic disorder that can impact muscles, the heart, respiratory function, digestion, sleep, eyesight, cognitive abilities, and other bodily functions. Symptoms differ widely, even among relatives. Diagnosis frequently comes late, and no DM-specific therapies have yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Massachusetts additionally hosts biotechnology firms, hospitals, and academic medical institutions engaged in DM research and patient care. These efforts sustain employment for scientists, clinicians, research personnel, and other professionals throughout the state while contributing to the development of prospective treatments.
“Jim’s determination united the DM community with local and state officials and generated significant visibility across Massachusetts,” stated Tanya Stevenson, EdD, MPH, CEO of the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation (MDF). “These declarations will aid more people in recognizing DM while fostering connections with leaders who can enhance care, advance research, and lay groundwork for future therapies.”
International Myotonic Dystrophy Awareness Day takes place every year on September 15. Additional details are available at myotonic.org/international-dm-day.
Individuals seeking recognition from their own state or municipal authorities can access MDF’s Proclamation Toolkit.
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About the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation
The Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation (MDF) serves as the foremost worldwide advocate for individuals affected by myotonic dystrophy. MDF empowers the DM community through support, care, advocacy, and research aimed at bringing us nearer to treatments and a cure. Find out more at myotonic.org.
Kleed Cumming
Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation (MDF)
+1 415-800-7777
email us here
