EL PASO FIRE FIGHTERS 2013 ANNUAL BOOT DRIVE FOR MDA

Fire fighters will take to the streets of El Paso to “Fill the Boot” for the Muscular Dystrophy Association beginning on May 17^th and running through May 27^th to raise money to help find treatments and cures for neuromuscular disease.

A media kick-off is scheduled for Thursday, May 16^th at 1:00 p.m. at Firefighter Memorial Park located at 316 West Overland in El Paso.  Members of Local 51 of the International Association of Fire Fighters as well as all media are invited to attend and receive information, updates, and locations where “Fill the Boot” is taking place throughout the city.

“We deeply appreciate the work fire fighters in El Paso do for MDA,” said Executive Director Kathleen Born.  “It does make a difference to all the people and families here 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.”

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 consistently demonstrated through their commitment to MDA.

“We like to help people, that’s who we are,” said 2013 El Paso “Fill the Boot” firefighter coordinator, Captain James Younger. “We know it’s a good thing to be in the fight against the muscle diseases that cause so much pain and suffering.  We are part of a decades-old tradition to beat these diseases, and we’re not going to quit until the battle is won.”

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.

Funds from the Fill the Boot campaign also help send 3,500 kids to MDA summer camp for a free week of lighthearted fun with other kids who are just like them. Many fire fighters become life-long friends of the kids and their families, volunteering a week of their vacation time each year to go to camp and support young campers with muscle disorders.

About IAFF

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

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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