Firefighters ‘Fill The Boot’ For Muscular Dystrophy

By  //  September 16, 2013

Muscular Dystrophy Association

ABOVE VIDEO: The International Association of FireFighters 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.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA -– Melbourne and Indialantic Professional Fire Fighters took to the streets of Indialantic to “Fill the Boot” for the Muscular Dystrophy Association over Labor Day weekend and raised $8,710.51 to help find treatments and cures for neuromuscular disease.

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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. (Fill The Boot Image)

They presented the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Central Florida chapter with a check at Indialantic Fire Department Station 57 recently.

“We deeply appreciate the support and commitment from Local 1951,” said Fundraising Coordinator, Alisha Feltman.

“It does make a difference to the 1,300 individuals in Central Florida 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.”

COMPASSION AND SERVICE

Firefighters put their lives on the line every day battling blazes or rushing through traffic to help someone who has been badly injured.

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Funds from the Fill the Boot campaign help support MDA clinics at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando and Shands Hospital in Gainesville, as well as support the vital research trials taking place there. (Fill The Boot image)

They have a sense of compassion for and service to the community that is demonstrated through their commitment to MDA.

The International Association of FireFighters 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.

VITAL RESEARCH TRIALS

“We deeply appreciate the support and commitment from Local 1951,” said Fundraising Coordinator, Alisha Feltman. “It does make a difference to the 1,300 individuals in Central Florida who are living with muscle disease.

Funds from the Fill the Boot campaign help support MDA clinics at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando and Shands Hospital in Gainesville, as well as support the vital research trials taking place there.

They also send local children with muscle diseases to MDA summer camp at Camp Thunderbird in Apopka for a week of barrier-free and lighthearted fun with other kids who are just like them and assist with repairs of wheelchairs, leg braces and other durable medical equipment.

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

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