Detroit Firefighters Fill The Boot

DETROIT FIRE FIGHTERS KICKOFF MDA
FILL-THE-BOOT CAMPAGIN

Canton, Mich., June 29, 2006 - Representatives from the Muscular Dystrophy Association(MDA), Junior Goodwill Ambassador Matthew Looney of Detroit, and Detroit Fire Fighter officials met to solidify plans for their 2006 "Fill-the-Boot" campaign. This campaign will benefit individuals served by MDA in the Metro Detroit area.

Across the city of Detroit, fire fighters will be out on the streets prior to Labor Day Weekend and the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Over 44 engine houses across the city will participate in the "Fill-the-Boot" campaign. These local heroes will be asking the people of Detroit to "fill their boots" with cash to help staff MDA clinics, purchase equipment to aid weakened muscles and pay for children to attend summer camp. Most importantly, donations collected during this year's "Fill-The-Boot" campaign will fund research to help find a cure for 43 neuromuscular diseases.

In 1954, the International Association of Firefighters voted at their International Convention to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with MDA until a "cure is found." In 2005, Michigan fire fighters raised a record $371,529. The fire fighters of the Detroit contributed $16,100 to this grand total. Drivers around Detroit are asked to keep their eyes open, play it safe around our heroes and support them by making a donation to MDA.

Founded in 1950, the Muscular Dystrophy Association is a voluntary health organization dedicated to finding a cure for neuromuscular disorders. MDA funds research worldwide including current projects at the University of Michigan, Wayne State University and Michigan
State University. In addition, MDA operates 230 hospital-affiliated clinics across the country. Local clinics are located at Children’s Hospital in Detroit, the Michigan Institute for Neuromuscular Disorders in Farmington Hills and Harper University Hospital in Detroit. Services include physical, occupational and respiratory therapy, genetic counseling and testing, social services consultation and year-round patient care. MDA also supports two summer camps for children at Camp Cavell on Lake Huron, which is north of Port Huron.

From summer camps to neuromuscular research worldwide to health clinics and public education forums for patients and their families, MDA and its volunteers constantly strive for the best in patient care. These remarkable individuals will be recognized on the 41st annual Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, held Labor Day weekend, September 3-4, on Detroit's TV 20.

To learn more about the MDA/IAFF partnership, visit www.iaff.org or www.mdausa.org.
For more information, please contact Anthonie Burke, Regional Field Representative for MDA, at (734) 416-7076.
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