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Community Connections: Send a letter, share a smile

Through Community Connections, you can brighten someone’s day by sending a heartfelt letter, drawing, or story—and remind them that they are not alone.

Support the DM community—one letter at a time

Many people living with myotonic dystrophy (DM) experience social isolation and find it hard to stay connected. Through Community Connections, you can brighten someone’s day by sending a heartfelt letter, drawing, or story—and remind them that they are not alone.

You can also nominate a community member to receive a special MDF Care Package filled with kind messages from across the DM community.

The latest recipients of our Community Connections program!

  • Collin is an adventure loving young man from Luisiana. He loves music, skateboarding, guitars, and hanging with friends. When he’s able to, he enjoys going on vacations and exploring life in new ways. Write a letter to Collin and share about your favorite adventure, the music you like, or anything else you’d like to share!
  • Patrick lives with his dad in the Midwest, and often goes by Pat. He is living with congenital DM1. Pat enjoys watching and playing video games. If you have a game recommendation, feel free to pass it along. Pat is interested in getting mail from the DM community, feel free to share a joke, tell a story, or draw a picture to send his way!

Write a letter, share a smile

Send a message that matters. You don’t need to know the recipient—just write from the heart. Share a story, draw a picture, tell a joke, or simply send a note of encouragement.

How to Send Your Message

Email:

  • Send to info@myotonic.org
  • Use the subject line: Community Connections
  • Typed messages will be printed and added to a care package.

Mail:

  • Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation
  • Attn: Community Connections
  • 663 13th Street, Suite 100
  • Oakland, CA 94612

What to Include (and What to Avoid)

DO:

  • Write from the heart
  • Share jokes, comics, or uplifting stories
  • Include drawings, poems, or creative messages
  • Talk about shared interests like music, pets, or hobbies

DON’T:

  • Include religious or political content
  • Use glitter, confetti, or hard-to-clean materials
  • Write in very small or hard-to-read handwriting

Why it matters

Your words can make a world of difference. Every message is a reminder that someone is seen, supported, and part of a caring community. Whether you write once or make it a monthly habit, you’re helping build connection and hope for people affected by DM.

Join Community Connections today—because every smile starts with a small act of kindness.

Nominate a community member

Know someone who could use a little extra encouragement? Nominate a person living with or caring for someone with DM to receive a bundle of uplifting messages.

  • Self-nominations are welcome.
  • Quarterly care packages are delivered by MDF.

Nominate someone now: Click here to fill out the nomination form. >>>

Note: Not all nominees will be selected each quarter. If your nominee is chosen, you’ll receive a confirmation email.