NDF is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization whose goal is to find a cure for neuromuscular diseases, including Hereditary Inclusion Body Myopath ('HIBM').

HIBM is a rare genetic disorder that leads to the deterioration of skeletal muscles between the ages of 30-40 and eventually causes immobility. Many people in Los Angeles, Israel and throughout the world are affected by HIBM. While HIBM impacts people of all races and nationalities, it is particularly common in the Jewish community.

HIBM is an orphan disease, meaning it is a so rare that many doctors are not even familiar enough with the symptoms to identify the disease.

Since the formation of NDF in 2006, our renowned researchers around the globe have been working to find cures for neuromuscular diseases such as HIBM. Our doctors and scientists are finding ways to halt these diseases' progression and actually improve muscle function in people already suffering the effects of these diseases.

NDF has no paid staff and composed entirely of volunteers. NDF holds an annual dance party directed to young adults and an Annual Gala Dinner for fundraising. At both events, we make a point of educating people about the importance of speaking to genetic counselors about HIBM before having children and we also make people aware that genetic testing is available. We also have held numerous other social and educational events in five Los Angeles area synagogues and various halls.

We have obtained donations from major foundations and prominent businesses, such as Lincy Foundation, Black Equities Group, Goldrich Family Foundation and the Keck Estate.

Scientific Advisory Committee

Siavash Kurdistani, M.D. UCLA School of Medicine Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Molecular Biology

Wayne Grody, M.D., Ph.D. UCLA School of Medicine Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Los Angeles, California

Research Committee

Zohar Argov, M.D. Senior Academic Physician Department of Neurology Hadassah University Hospital Jerusalem, Israel	William A. Gahl, M.D., Ph.D. National Institutes of Health Office of Rare Diseases Head, National Human Genome Research Institute Bethesda, Maryland
John. J. Nemunaitis, M.D. Executive Director Mary Crowley Medical Research Center Dallas, Tex	Jacques P. Tremblay, Ph.D. Unite De Genetique Humaine Centre Hospitalier Universite Laval Quebec, Canada
Stella Mitrani-Rosenbaum, Ph.D. Goldyne Savad Institude of Gene Therapy Hadassah-Teh Hebrew University Medical Center Jerusalem, Israel