LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of more than 30 inherited diseases that cause muscle weakness and muscle loss. It affects thousands of people and there is no cure.

Erica Dierich and Phyllis Lovelace are with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and tell Ashley how they're raising awareness with a special event.

The MDA 12 Days of Christmas Gala will be held Dec. 13th at 6:30 p.m. at the Peabody Hotel in the Grand Ballrooms. This is MDA's largest social event in AR and is truly one of a kind. One can expect live music, dancing, silent auctions, libations, and a delicious dinner. We also feature our premiere

12 Days Live Auction in which we auction off 12 incredible packages all themed by each of the 12 Days of Christmas. Usually about 300 people attend this event.

Our Honoree this year is David Cossey with United Seating and Mobility Durable Medical Equipment. David not only works with MDA patients through his company, but he manages and coordinates MDA loan equipment inventory.

David works closely with the MDA clinic teams and patients, as he attend their clinics regularly to help MDA assist patients in every way that they can.

The money raised at this event helps over 900 MDA families in Arkansas that MDA serves. They provide health services through three clinics in Central Arkansas; the children's MDA clinic at Arkansas Children's Hospital, and theadult MDA clinic and ALS clinic at UAMS.

They also provide durable medical equipment, support groups, research for over 43 different diseases and local camp in collaboration with Camp Aldersgate for the MDA kids. They do not receive any United way or government funding so it is only through events like this that they are able to raise the funds to provide the services to our MDA patients.

(Source: Muscular Dystrophy Association)