DDMON
A charity powered by community
Every exon counts.
Every person matters.
We're passionate about supporting families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and building a community where no family walks this journey alone.
About us
Why 79 Exons?
79 Exons is an Adelaide-based charity supporting families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a rare genetic condition that causes muscles to weaken over time.
Because Duchenne is rare, few people know about it, and families can feel alone after a diagnosis. We're here to change that by raising awareness, connecting and supporting families, and helping schools build resilience and inclusion for every student.
Community
Bringing people together so nobody faces the journey alone.
Awareness
Sharing stories and information to build understanding.
Support
Fundraising that goes directly toward the people who need it.
The story behind the name
Why "79 Exons"?
Every gene is built from pieces called exons, the sections that carry the instructions our bodies follow.
The dystrophin gene has 79 of them, making it one of the largest genes in the human body. It holds the instructions for dystrophin, a protein that keeps our muscles strong and protects them from damage.
In Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a change in this gene means the body can't make the dystrophin it needs, and muscles gradually weaken over time.
Our name is a reminder that every one of those 79 pieces matters, and so does every person living with Duchenne.
A message from our founder
Why I started 79 Exons
When our son was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, our world changed in a moment. Upon receiving the diagnosis, we felt completely lost, with no idea where to turn or what to do next.
I never want another family to feel that way. 79 Exons exists so that no one faces Duchenne alone, and so every family has people to lean on and a clear next step.
Thank you for being here. Whether you donate, volunteer or simply share our story, you’re helping make sure families have somewhere to turn.
SteveFounder of 79 Exons and proud Dad
Get involved
Ways you can help
Every kind of support makes a difference, big or small.
Donate
Give once or monthly. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.
Donate now →Fundraise for us
Run, bake, celebrate a birthday or host a morning tea in support of 79 Exons.
Tell us your idea →Volunteer
Lend a hand at events, share your skills, or help behind the scenes.
Offer your time →Partner with us
Businesses can sponsor, match donations or support us in kind.
Become a partner →Spread the word
Follow us, share our posts and tell a friend about 79 Exons.
Follow us →Transparency
Where your money goes
We're a registered charity, and we're committed to using every donation carefully.
Raising awareness
Duchenne is rare, so few people know about it. We share clear, accurate information to build understanding of DMD in the wider community.
Supporting families
We support families affected by Duchenne, so no one is left feeling lost after a diagnosis and everyone has people to lean on.
Training for schools
We're building training for schools that explores resilience and inclusion through the lens of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Our financial reports are published on the ACNC Charity Register.
What's on
Upcoming events
DDMON
DDMON
Moments
Gallery
Make a difference
Donate to 79 Exons
Every dollar helps us raise awareness of Duchenne, support families affected by it, and build training that helps schools become more inclusive.
✔ 79 Exons is a registered charity with DGR status. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible in Australia.
Partners & supporters
Become a charity partner
We're looking for businesses and organisations to help us grow and reach more families, and we'll proudly feature our partners here.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes. 79 Exons has Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, so donations of $2 or more are tax deductible in Australia.
Will I get a receipt?
Yes. Online donations are processed by GiveNow, which emails you a tax receipt. Keep it for tax time.
Is 79 Exons a registered charity?
Yes. We're registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). ABN 40 387 844 707. You can view our listing on the ACNC Charity Register.
Where does my donation go?
Donations fund three things: raising awareness of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, supporting families affected by it, and building resilience and inclusion training for schools. See Where your money goes for more.
Can I give monthly?
Yes. Choose the monthly option in the donation form. Regular gifts help us plan ahead.
How can I volunteer or fundraise?
We'd love your help. Get in touch and tell us what you have in mind.
How can my business get involved?
Businesses can sponsor, match staff donations, or offer goods and services. Contact us to chat.
Say hello
Send us a message
Questions, ideas, sponsorship or just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you.
Follow our journey
See what we're up to and share our story.