Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy Fund

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, or FSHD, is a genetic disorder that leads to the weakening of skeletal muscles. Typically beginning in early teenage years with the loss of muscles in the face (facio), shoulders (scapula), upper arms (humerus), legs or core, FSHD can spread to any muscle. Around 20 percent will need a wheelchair by age 50. Over 70 percent experience debilitating pain and fatigue. There is currently no effective treatment or cure. This disorder impacts an estimate of 1 in 8,000 individuals – or 870,000 people worldwide. About ten percent develop symptoms before age 10.