Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy Celebrates 20th Annual Sam's Night Event, Marks Two Decades of Community Impact, Growth, and Hope for Families Living with Duchenne

DALLAS, Oct. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Killian family, of Rockwall, Texas, are celebrating a fundraising milestone with their annual Sam's Night event to benefit Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), the largest U.S. non-profit leading Duchenne and Becker care, research, and advocacy efforts. On Thursday, October 16, 2025, the Killian family celebrated 20 years of Sam's Night—an unforgettable evening at Victory Social that matched last year's record $1.5 million for the fight to end Duchenne.

Since its inception 20 years ago, Sam's Night has raised more than $10 million dollars to advance care standards, support research, and speed the development of new therapies. What began as Sam's Family Fun Day two decades ago has grown into a premier community fundraising event, maturing alongside its inspiration, Sam Killian, and fueling PPMD's mission to improve the lives of all individuals living with Duchenne and Becker. The event reflects both the Killian family's unwavering dedication and the remarkable progress the Duchenne community has made in recent decades. Thanks to efforts like Sam's Night, children diagnosed with Duchenne today are living longer, fuller lives than ever before.

"Sam's Night is a testament to what families can achieve when they come together with determination and love," said Pat Furlong, PPMD's Founding President. "Two decades ago, families were told that there was no hope and little help. Today, thanks to research, care advances, and the tireless work of families like the Killians, many young adults with Duchenne are living, learning, and thriving. Sam's journey mirrors this progress, and we are deeply grateful to the Killians and every supporter who has made Sam's Night such a success."

This year's celebration honors not only the resilience of the Killian family but also the Duchenne community's collective strides forward. While the event has evolved from a family fairground gathering into an elegant evening of connection and purpose, its heart remains unchanged: a commitment to giving every individual living with Duchenne the best chance at a brighter future.

"Growing up with Duchenne has had many challenges, but Sam's Night has always been a reminder that we are not alone," said Sam Killian. "What started as a day for me, my friends, and our families to have some fun became an evening that shows just how strong this community is. I've grown up alongside this event, and I'm proud that together we're helping change what it means to live with Duchenne."

Sponsors of Sam's Night include Altus Group, Clarion Partners, CBRE, Chicago Title Insurance Company, Colliers International, Corient, Cushman & Wakefield, Elkins Kalt Weintraub Rubin Gartside, Ernst & Young, Fullmer Construction, Hillwood Investment Properties, JLL, KBC Advisors, Kessler Collins, Knight Commercial, MRP Industrial, PGIM, PricewaterhouseCoopers, REDA, Renovia, Stream Realty, Vinson & Elkins, Wells Fargo, and Willmeng Construction.

There's still time to contribute by visiting SamsNight.org.

About Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne is a genetic disorder that slowly robs people of their muscle strength. Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) fights every single battle necessary to end Duchenne.

We demand optimal care standards and ensure every family has access to expert healthcare providers, cutting edge treatments, and a community of support. We invest deeply in treatments for this generation of Duchenne patients and in research that will benefit future generations. Our advocacy efforts have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding and won eight FDA approvals.

Everything we do—and everything we have done since our founding in 1994—helps those with Duchenne live longer, stronger lives. We will not rest until we end Duchenne for every single person affected by the disease. Join our fight against Duchenne at EndDuchenne.org. Follow PPMD on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

SOURCE Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD)