Fire Fighters Team Up to Fill the Boot for MDA

Salt Lake City (PRWEB) October 07, 2013

Fire fighters will be out on the streets this week throughout the Salt Lake Valley asking motorists to help Fill the Boot for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Beginning today through Saturday, Oct. 12.,every dollar that passing motorists can pitch into the fire fighters boots helps Unified Fire Authority Local1696 fire fighters provide medical treatment and support services to individuals and their families living with neuromuscular diseases in the state of Utah.

The International Association of Fire Fighters has been a national MDA partner for more than 50 years and remains committed to the fight to end neuromuscular diseases.

Fire fighters are American heroes who make such a difference for the people and families we serve, said MDA Executive Director Jamie Ingersoll. The funds they raise are used for health care services and equipment support, and to help send kids to free MDA summer camps. We are grateful for everything they do.

Fill the Boot funds also are used to support some of the 250 worldwide research projects seeking better treatments and cures for the more than 40 neuromuscular diseases covered by MDA, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy and ALS.

IAFF became the first national sponsor for MDA in 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 IAFF

The International Association of Fire Fighters represents more than 300,000 professional fire fighters and paramedics who protect 85 percent of the nations population. More than 3,200 IAFF affiliates and their members protect communities in every state in the United States and Canada.

About MDA

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Fire Fighters Team Up to Fill the Boot for MDA