Coalition to Cure Calpain 3 recognizes that there is strength in numbers. While our scientific research has a pinpoint focus on calpainopathy, our advocacy initiatives embrace the entire LGMD community. By collaborating with our advocacy partners, we collectively ensure that the patient voice is amplified to champion programs and policies that bring us closer to clinical trial readiness and move us forward toward treatments, and ultimately a cure, for everyone living with LGMD2A/R1 and LGMDD4.
Recent Advocacy Initiatives
LGMD Day on the Hill 2026
Advocacy Chair Melina Garza proudly represented C3 as a 2026 delegate in Washington, D.C. at the 2026 LGMD Day on the Hill, hosted by The Speak Foundation. Melina had the privilege of leading the Texas and North Carolina delegation through a packed day of advocacy on Capitol Hill. Advocates asked Congress to: increase federal research funding for LGMD, leverage FDA tools for rare-disease innovation, and protect disability rights and home- and community-based services.
Meet Melina Garza, Our New Advocacy Chair
C3 is thrilled to share that Melina Garza is stepping into a newly-created volunteer position. As Advocacy Chair, Ms. Garza will represent our organization educating stakeholders about calpainopathy and engaging them in C3’s mission to drive research toward a treatment or cure.
LGMD2A/R1 Standards of Care Workshop
Collaboration was at the core of the LGMD2A/R1 Standards of Care (SOC) Workshop where C3 partnered with the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Sarepta Therapeutics, the Speak Foundation, and LGMD Awareness Foundation to impact LGMD clinical practice globally.