Y’all – please join us in
Atlanta for the 2025

MLD Family Conference®

June 20th-21st

MLD Foundation Atlanta Conference 2025 - Family gathering for MLD awareness and support in downtown Atlanta with city skyline and Ferris wheel.
The Premier Family Resource for Metachromatic Leukodystrophy Information & Support since 1999
Newborn Screening
Learn how you can help advance newborn screening for MLD in your state.
Learn More
We love birthdays!
We’re helping build a future where having MLD doesn’t mean having fewer birthdays.
Donate Now
The Premier Family Resource for Metachromatic Leukodystrophy Information & Support since 1999
We love birthdays.
We’re helping build a future where having MLD doesn’t mean having fewer birthdays. You can help.
Donate Now
Newborn Screening
Learn how you can help advance newborn screening for MLD in your state.
Learn More
The Premier Family Resource for Metachromatic Leukodystrophy Information & Support since 1999
We love birthdays.
We’re helping build a future where having MLD doesn’t mean having fewer birthdays. You can help.
Donate Here
Newborn Screening
Learn how you can help advance newborn screening for MLD in your state.
Learn More

Newly Diagnosed??

If you or your loved one is newly diagnosed, or you suspect MLD, please visit our What Do I Do Next?  page for a step-by-step guide on how to expedite a diagnostic confirmation, next steps to access therapy, and more. We can and want to help!

What is MLD?

Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) is a progressive, genetic, neurometabolic disease that affects the nervous system due to the lack of an enzyme, Ayrlsulfatase-A (ARSA.) Over 300 variants of the ARSA gene on Chromosome 22 are known to cause MLD. 1 in 100 people are carriers of MLD resulting in 1 in 40,000 babies being born with MLD. Of the four types of MLD, late infantile is the most common. While there is now an FDA-approved gene therapy available for pre-symptomatic infantile and early juveniles, Lenmeldy®, access for early-symptomatic cases, older patient cases is much more limited or non-existent.

For a more detailed overview of MLD, visit MLD Overview.

For more information on therapies and their access requirements, visit MLD Therapies.

Woman and child with disabilities at MLD Foundation event, engaging in supportive activities, showcasing community inclusion and care.
Logo of MLD Foundation featuring a purple butterfly symbolizing hope and transformation for individuals with mental health challenges.

What We Do

The MLD Foundation supports and empowers families living with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy through community and compassion for families, increasing awareness, influencing and funding research, and promoting education. 

At MLD Foundation, We C.A.R.E.®: 

Compassion

Group of smiling people with children at a pediatric care event organized by MLD Foundation outdoors.

We support and connect families to find mutual support through shared experiences virtually and in person.


Join our Community on Facebook

Learn about our recent MLD Family Conference®

Awareness

Two professionals standing in front of a large advocacy banner at the MLD Foundation event, promoting awareness and support for rare diseases.

MLD Foundation works on behalf of patients and families to increase awareness of MLD and advocate for newborn screening and treatments at the state and federal levels.


Why Newborn Screening Matters

Upcoming Advocacy Events

Research

Female scientist in a laboratory using a pipette, with computer screens displaying brain scans, representing advanced neurological research at MLD Foundation.

We work alongside researchers, pharmaceutical companies, clinicians and more in efforts to treat and cure MLD.


Learn about the FDA-approved gene therapy for MLD, Lenmedly™ from Orchard Therapeutics, and other research that is underway

Education

MLD Foundation booth at health conference showcasing faces of MLD with informational posters and a pink tablecloth.

Whether you are newly diagnosed or simply wanting to learn more, we provide a number of resources – including an extensive video library – to learn about MLD.


MLD Video Library

MLD Overview

News & Upcoming Events

Together, We DO Make a Difference.

For over 20 years, MLD Foundation has bought our C.A.R.E. mission to families affected by MLD. From diagnosis onward, we provide support, education, resources, and help advance research to eliminate and cure MLD. Please consider a donation to show your support.