GROVE CITY, Pa. – College stadiums across the nation are resounding with the animated cheers of devoted fans. The football season has returned as have many long-standing rivalries. But for one day, these rivalries will not be the main story. On Sept. 26, college coaches will work together in Coach to Cure MD, a national charity project of the American Football Coaches Association.

This day, coaches from all levels of college football will unite to raise awareness and research funding for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, the most widespread genetic killer diagnosed in childhood.

At Grove City College, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee will collect donations during the College’s annual night football game, to begin at 7 p.m. against Washington & Jefferson College. Coaches will show their support by wearing the Coach to Cure MD arm patches during the game.

The fans will be asked to donate to research projects supported by Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, the largest nonprofit organization in the United States that is entirely focused on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

The financial service firm TIAA-CREF has signed on again this year as the national sponsor and will donate air-time on Sept. 26 for a Coach to Cure MD commercial featuring football legends Jim Tressel and Rich Rodriguez.

Last year, more than 2,600 college coaches participated in the inaugural Coach to Cure MD event. Families affected with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy will also gather for fund-raising tailgate parties on campuses around the country to encourage more fans to get involved.