City of Burlington Fire Fighters Successful in "Fill-the-Boot" Drive for MDA

Sept. 25, 2013 - PRLog -- Contact:

Ana Ristich

Fundraising Coordinator

262-432-7792

aristich@mdausa.org

CITY OF BURLINGTON FIRE FIGHTERS SUCCESSFUL IN

“FILL-THE-BOOT” DRIVE FOR MDA

Burlington, WI September 25, 2013 ─ Fire fighters took to the streets of Burlington to “Fill the Boot” for the Muscular Dystrophy Association this past Saturday, September 21^st and raised more than $3,500.00 to help find treatments and cures for neuromuscular disease.

This was the City of Burlington Fire Department’s first year participating in the fundraising event which supports vital research programs and 200 medical clinics nationwide. The Smith family of Burlington was at the intersection of Pine and Milwaukee Avenue thanking the Fire Fighters and donors for their generosity! “Fill-the-Boot with the fire fighters is my favorite time, I always have fun and love to thank everyone” said Jacob Smith, 12, who has SMA Type II. Fred’s Burgers also generously donated lunch for all the fire fighters as they too joined the efforts to fight muscle disease.

“We deeply appreciate the work fire fighters in Burlington did for MDA,” said Executive Director, Emily Straw. “It does make a difference to all the people and families here who are living with muscle disease. They see these American heroes going out to support them, and it tells them they have strong partners standing by their side.”

Fire fighters put their lives on the line every day battling blazes or rushing through traffic to help someone who has been badly injured. They have a sense of compassion for and service to the community that is demonstrated through their commitment to MDA.

“We like to help people, that’s who we are,” said firefighter, Wes Miner. “We know it’s a good thing to be in the fight against the muscle diseases that cause so much pain and suffering.  We are already planning next year’s collection.”

MDA has joined forces with fire fighters since 1954, and over the years, fire fighters have raised millions of dollars to help improve and enhance the lives of those living with neuromuscular disease. Fire fighters have raised money for MDA through their participation in the annual Fill the Boot campaign, as well as by sponsoring golf and softball tournaments. Many also contribute some of their vacation time each year to volunteer at MDA summer camps across the country.

About MDA

MDA (http://www.mda.org/) 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 (http://www.mda.org/).

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