ROCKINGHAM — The Rockingham Fire Department is showing its continued support for the Muscular Dystrophy Association as they kick off their annual Fill the Boot fundraising campaign to raise critical funds to help transform the lives of kids and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases.
Continuing a 65-year tradition of giving strength to the MDA community, dedicated fire fighters from Rockingham Fire Dept. will hit the streets and storefronts with boots in hand asking pedestrians, motorists, customers and other passersby to make a donation to MDA on Friday, May 3, Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5 at Walmart.
“We are thrilled to be working with the Rockingham Fire Department for another year of Fill the Boot to help provide the funds needed to find treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases that severely limit strength and mobility,” said Lisa Swicegood, associate executive director of MDA, Greater Carolinas. “The dedication of these firefighters to MDA’s mission is unwavering, spending countless hours both with Fill the Boot and MDA Summer Camp to care for the kids and adults in Richmond County. We know that their devotion to our families will make this year’s drive a success.”
Funds raised through Rockingham’s Fill the Boot events in 2019 will help the MDA save lives and lift those up in need, by providing the MDA with vital resources to advance their mission of driving innovations in science and care for the neuromuscular community. Contributions have helped fund groundbreaking research and life-enhancing programs such as state-of-the-art support groups and care centers, including the MDA Care Center in Charlotte.
They also help send more than 120 local kids to “the best week of the year” at MDA summer camp at Victory Junction — all at no cost to their families.
In addition to Fill the Boot drives, firefighter contributions from year-round local events, including galas, Muscle Walk, and other fundraising events help support MDA’s efforts to raise awareness and provide professional and public education about neuromuscular diseases.
MDA and Firefighter Partnership
The partnership between firefighters and MDA began in 1954 and their unwavering commitment to MDA has remained strong to this day. As MDA’s largest national partner, they have raised more than $650 million for the MDA to date. Today the firefighter/MDA partnership is finding new ways to save lives by working to expand newborn screenings in the U.S. with Pompe disease or Spinal Muscular Atrophy, so that they can be immediately eligible for lifesaving and life changing therapies.
About MDA
MDA is committed to transforming the lives of people affected by muscular dystrophy, ALS and related neuromuscular diseases. We do this through innovations in science and innovations in care. As the largest source of funding for neuromuscular disease research outside of the federal government, MDA has committed more than $1 billion since our inception to accelerate the discovery of therapies and cures. Research we have supported is directly linked to approved, life-changing therapies across multiple neuromuscular diseases. We support the largest network of multidisciplinary clinics providing best-in-class care at more than 150 of the nation’s top medical institutions, and each year thousands of children and young adults learn vital life skills and gain independence at MDA Summer Camp and through recreational programs. For more information visit mda.org.
