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Urban Meyer showing support for Coach to Cure MD

Urban Meyer is one of many head coaches from NCAA programs around the nation who will visibly demonstrate support this Saturday for Coach to Cure MD, an effort that has special meaning for Ohio State's coaching staff and players.

By Jeanna.Kelley
Jamie Sabau

This Saturday will mark the sixth-annual college football Saturday dedicated to Coach to Cure MD, an effort to raise awareness and funds to support research efforts and improve the long-term outlook and quality of life for those suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a genetic muscle disorder that causes progressive loss of muscular function. The gene that triggers the disease is found in the X-chromosome, so Duchenne overwhelmingly impacts males. One in 3,500 male babies born worldwide each year will be afflicted with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and it affects children across all races and cultures. Those who are diagnosed with Duchenne can currently expect to live into their early twenties.

This campaign has particular significance to Ohio State's players and coaching staff. Two friends of the program, brothers Noah and Jacob Studebaker, both have Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Urban Meyer, speaking to the media this week, referred to the Studebaker brothers as "members of the team," saying that while there are many worthwhile organizations and causes to support, this one hit home for the Buckeyes. Cincinnati's coaching staff will also participate in the Coach to Cure MD awareness efforts this Saturday.

For more information on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the Coach to Cure MD awareness campaign and to learn more about how you can help, please visit the Coach to Cure MD website. Noah and Jacob Studebaker's family also co-founded a Columbus-area foundation that advocates for treatment advancements, service dogs for those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and more. To learn about their efforts or to lend your support, visit the Little Hercules Foundation website.

Here's what the patch coaches from both Ohio State and Cincinnati will be wearing Saturday will look like:

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