LMNA-related congenital muscular dystrophy

Hope for Archie.
Help for every family.

The Archie Foundation supports families living with L-CMD and funds the research that could one day change what this diagnosis means.

Donate Read Archie's story →

Founded by Archie's familyFocused on researchHere for L-CMD families

Meet ArchieDiagnosed with L-CMD in December 2025.

Ultra-rareOnly a few hundred cases are known worldwide

Early onsetSigns usually appear in the first year or two of life

No cure yetResearch is promising, but it needs funding to reach kids

What we do

Three ways we're fighting L-CMD

A rare disease can make families feel alone. We're building a community that shows up for kids like Archie in the short term and the long term.

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Support families

Connecting families with resources, specialists, and each other, and helping with needs that insurance often doesn't cover.

For families →

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Fund research

Directing funds to scientists working on therapies and, one day, a cure for LMNA-related congenital muscular dystrophy.

Our research focus →

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Raise awareness

Helping more families, doctors, and communities recognize L-CMD so kids get diagnosed and supported sooner.

Learn about L-CMD →

Archie with his parents, Tanner and Afton

Why we started

It started with one little boy.

When our son Archie was diagnosed with LMNA-related congenital muscular dystrophy, we learned how rare it is and how much is still unknown. We also learned how much hope there is in the research.

We started The Archie Foundation so no family has to go through this diagnosis alone, and so the science keeps moving forward for Archie and every child like him.

Tanner & Afton LeishmanArchie's parents and founders

Our story

Understanding the diagnosis

What is L-CMD?

L-CMD is a rare genetic muscle disease caused by a change in the LMNA gene. It weakens muscles from infancy, especially in the neck and trunk, and can also affect breathing, the heart, and the joints.