Muscular Dystrophy Association International Association of Fire Fighters Launch 420 Fill the Boot Fundraisers in Cities Across America Labor Day Weekend for the Muscular Dystrophy Association
2024年8月19日 - 10:15PM
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) in partnership with the
International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) kick off more
than 420 Fill the Boot events to raise lifesaving funds throughout
Labor Day weekend in over 40 states. The funds raised by more than
349,000 IAFF members and their affiliates across the country go
towards MDA's mission for scientific and clinical research and care
for families living with muscular dystrophy, ALS (also known as Lou
Gehrig’s disease), and related neuromuscular diseases.
Online donations, which may be made
at mda.org/ftb will continue as fire
fighters take to the streets in communities across the country with
boots in hand asking pedestrians, motorists, customers, and other
passersby to support the mission.
"Since 1954, fire fighters have been
dedicated to Filling the Boot for the Muscular Dystrophy
Association. That commitment is as important today as it was 70
years ago. While we have made significant progress for those living
with neuromuscular disease, IAFF members remain steadfast in our
mission to support MDA families, one dollar at a time. Labor Day
Weekend brings fire fighters together across the country to raise
essential funds in their communities through Fill the Boot drives.
We will continue answering the call and do our part to help MDA
find new treatments and improve access to care for those it
serves," said IAFF General President Edward
Kelly.
The partnership between MDA and IAFF
spans 70 years, beginning in 1954 when the IAFF signed a
proclamation designating MDA as its charity of choice and vowing to
continue raising awareness and funds until cures are found. To
date, fire fighters nationwide have raised over $700 million over
nearly seven decades. The funds raised by IAFF have led to
breakthroughs in research and many FDA-approved treatments for
neuromuscular diseases, in addition to access to treatments and
care from day one, and through newborn screening and other advocacy
efforts.
"We are profoundly grateful to our
dedicated partners at IAFF and eagerly anticipate the kick-off of
hundreds of Fill the Boot events in communities across the country
this Labor Day weekend. September marks the beginning of National
Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month, a pivotal time for this
cherished tradition. The funds raised by Fill the Boot have not
only provided the ‘best week of the year’ at MDA Summer Camp for
children and young adults living with neuromuscular disease but
have also fueled groundbreaking scientific and clinical
breakthroughs. Our MDA Care Center Network and MDA Gene Therapy
Support Network staff are diligently guiding families through
transformative gene therapy. Moreover, this funding has led to even
more FDA-approved treatments for various neuromuscular diseases
just this year alone. The urgency of our mission has never been
greater, and we must continue to push forward with even more
determination," said Donald S. Wood, PhD, President
and CEO, MDA.
When communities across the country
stop for a fire fighter to Fill the Boot, MDA funds the mission to
accelerate research, advance care, and advocate to empower people
diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular
diseases to live longer, more independent lives.
The campaign will be shared on social
media channels using the hashtag #FillTheBoot. Follow MDA on
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok,
and LinkedIn. Follow the IAFF
on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
Watch/download the Public
Service Announcement (PSA) ‘Answering the
Call’ here.
Ken Sutcliffe dedicated his career to
saving lives as a U.S. Army veteran and as a fire fighter. He never
thought one day he’d be fighting for his own. In ‘Answering the
Call,’ a new PSA from MDA, you will meet Ken who was diagnosed with
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s
disease. Thanks to MDA, he and many others like him are receiving
the treatment and care they need to live longer and love stronger.
Air ‘Answering the Call’ today and help MDA lead the way in
accelerating research and advancing care in your local
community.
Media
inquiries email press@mdausa.org.
About the IAFF
The International Association of
Fire Fighters (IAFF) is the driving force behind nearly every
advance in the fire and emergency services in the 21st century.
With headquarters in Washington, D.C, and Ottawa, Ontario, the IAFF
represents more than 349,000 full-time professional fire fighters
and paramedics in more than 3,500 affiliates. IAFF members protect
more than 85 percent of the population in communities throughout
the United States and Canada. The IAFF is also one of the most
active lobbying organizations in Washington, D.C. The IAFF
Political Action Committee, FIREPAC, is among the top one-half of
one percent of all federally registered PACs in the country.
About Muscular Dystrophy Association
Muscular Dystrophy
Association (MDA) is the #1 voluntary health organization in
the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS,
and related neuromuscular diseases. For over 70 years, MDA has led
the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating
for the support of our families. MDA's mission is to empower the
people we serve to live longer, more independent lives. To learn
more visit mda.org and follow MDA
on Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn,
and YouTube.
- IAFF Fill the Boot Labor Day Weekend
Mary Fiance, Vice President, Strategic Communications
Muscular Dystrophy Association
press@mdausa.org