Firefighters will be out on the streets of Garland asking motorists to help “Fill the Boot” for the Muscular Dystrophy Association on three consecutive Fridays beginning April 17th and continuing on April 24th and May 1st. Every dollar that passing motorists can pitch into the fire fighters’ boots helps Local 1293 fire fighters provide medical treatment and support services to over 100 individuals and their families living with neuromuscular diseases in the Garland area.
Muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other related life-threatening diseases take away people’s ability to walk, move, smile, talk and even breathe. This year the Garland Firefighters are setting out to raise $75,000 for MDA.
“For more than six decades fire fighters have stood on the front lines for MDA, striving to make a difference in the lives of those affected by muscle disease,” said Fundraising Coordinator, Haley Myers.
“Fire fighters in the Garland area do so much for MDA and the families we serve, dedicating countless hours of their time every year participating in Fill the Boot drives. We’re grateful for the support of these inspiring, selfless individuals who have made a profound impact on our families’ health, well-being and quality of life, and we’re excited to make this year’s Garland Fill the Boot campaign the most successful yet.”
Funds raised through 2015 Garland Fill the Boot event will build on decades of research progress, helping push science to its limits in the search for treatments and cures.
Dollars raised also help support MDA’s life-enhancing programs such as state-of-the-art support groups and clinics, including the MDA Clinics at Children’s Medical Center and UT Southwestern in Dallas. They also make MDA summer camp possible so kids with muscle disease can enjoy “the best week of the year” at Camp John Marc in Meridian, TX and nearly 80 other locations nationwide.
About the IAFF: The International Association of Fire Fighters represents more than 300,000 professional fire fighters and paramedics who protect 85 percent of the nation’s population. More than 3,200 affiliates and their members protect communities in every state in the United States and in Canada.
About MDA: MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.
In addition to funding some 300 research teams worldwide, MDA maintains a national network of 200 medical clinics; facilitates support groups for families affected by neuromuscular disease; and provides free local summer camp opportunities for thousands of youngsters fighting progressive muscle disease. For more information, visit mda.org.
For more information, contact Haley Myers at (972) 480-0011 or hbmyers@mdausa.org.
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