STRATFORD, Conn., August 17, 2010 – The Stratford Fire Department Local 998's fill-the-boot drive for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has been moved to Saturday, August 28, 2010.
Stratford firefighters will be collecting donations for the fight against neuromuscular disease at the Stratford Fire Station at 2750 Main Street from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. All of the proceeds will go towards MDA’s services, research programs, and support groups that benefit individuals and families in the local area. They have set a goal of $ 2,500.
The Stratford Fire Department Local 998 is a part of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). This is the IAFF’s 56th year dedicating their time and efforts to the MDA. Since 1954 they have raised nearly $275 million dollars for the organization. They are the largest national sponsor of the MDA and pride themselves on their devotion to the cause.
MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. MDA also supports nearly 330 research projects around the world and sponsors 200 hospital-affiliated clinics.
For more information about this event please contact Amanda Cann at (914) 345-5062 or acann@mdausa.org.
This blog covers news from the district offices in Providence, Hartford, New Haven, Maywood, Tinton Falls, Hawthorne and Western Long Island
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Westport Fire Department Local 1081 to Hold Second Fill-the-Boot Drive for MDA
WESTPORT, Conn., August 17, 2010– The Westport Fire Department Local 1081 will be filling-the-boot for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) for the second year in a row this summer on Saturday, August 28, 2010.
Westport firefighters will be collecting donations for the fight against neuromuscular disease from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Compo Beach on Compo Beach Drive in Westport. All of the proceeds will go towards MDA’s services, research programs, and support groups that benefit individuals and families in the local area. They have set a goal of $4,000.
The Westport Fire Department Local 1081 is a part of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). This is the IAFF’s 56th year dedicating their time and efforts to the MDA. Since 1954 they have raised nearly $275 million dollars for the organization. They are the largest national sponsor of the MDA and pride themselves on their devotion to the cause.
MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. MDA also supports nearly 330 research projects around the world and sponsors 200 hospital-affiliated clinics.
For more information about this event please contact Amanda Cann at (914) 345-5062 or acann@mdausa.org.
Westport firefighters will be collecting donations for the fight against neuromuscular disease from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Compo Beach on Compo Beach Drive in Westport. All of the proceeds will go towards MDA’s services, research programs, and support groups that benefit individuals and families in the local area. They have set a goal of $4,000.
The Westport Fire Department Local 1081 is a part of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). This is the IAFF’s 56th year dedicating their time and efforts to the MDA. Since 1954 they have raised nearly $275 million dollars for the organization. They are the largest national sponsor of the MDA and pride themselves on their devotion to the cause.
MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. MDA also supports nearly 330 research projects around the world and sponsors 200 hospital-affiliated clinics.
For more information about this event please contact Amanda Cann at (914) 345-5062 or acann@mdausa.org.
Local Support Sends Youth to MDA Summer Camp
SPRING VALLEY, N.Y., August 17, 2010- Over 70 youth from cities throughout N.Y., N.J., and Conn. will be attending the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s (MDA) annual summer camp for kids at Visions Center on Blindness in Spring Valley, N.Y. from August 21 until August 28, 2010.
MDA’s camp programs offer the unique experience for young people with neuromuscular diseases to participate in a variety of events created to develop friendships, share interests and build self confidence. The camp consists of a week long session featuring typical camp activities adapted for youths between the ages of six and 17 with one of the over 40 neuromuscular diseases. The $800 camper fee is covered entirely by generous support from local corporations, groups and individuals who raise funds to support MDA and so no cost is incurred by the family.
This year, campers will enjoy a myriad of activities throughout the week including swimming, fishing, adaptive sports, scavenger hunts and arts and crafts. The annual VIP Day will take place on Wednesday, August 25. On VIP Day, prospective campers, media and sponsors can visit the camp. Counselors, campers and their families will enjoy a day of food, fun and activities and will get to mingle with other volunteers and sponsors, as well as local fire fighters. Campers will enjoy a Whiffle Ball tournament, arts and crafts, balloon making, face painting, a pipe and drum band, and other fun activities.
“MDA summer camp is the best week of the year when children with neuromuscular disease can enjoy themselves in true peer groups and can participate in full range outdoor activities adapted to their abilities,” MDA Camp Director Gloria English said. “Besides being great fun, camp helps youngsters grow and develop emotionally and socially-it’s truly the highlight of the year, for both campers and volunteers.”
MDA is a voluntary health agency dedicated to helping more than one million Americans affected by neuromuscular disorders through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far reaching professional and public health education.
For more information about this event please contact Gloria English at (914) 345-5062 or at genglish@mdausa.org.
MDA’s camp programs offer the unique experience for young people with neuromuscular diseases to participate in a variety of events created to develop friendships, share interests and build self confidence. The camp consists of a week long session featuring typical camp activities adapted for youths between the ages of six and 17 with one of the over 40 neuromuscular diseases. The $800 camper fee is covered entirely by generous support from local corporations, groups and individuals who raise funds to support MDA and so no cost is incurred by the family.
This year, campers will enjoy a myriad of activities throughout the week including swimming, fishing, adaptive sports, scavenger hunts and arts and crafts. The annual VIP Day will take place on Wednesday, August 25. On VIP Day, prospective campers, media and sponsors can visit the camp. Counselors, campers and their families will enjoy a day of food, fun and activities and will get to mingle with other volunteers and sponsors, as well as local fire fighters. Campers will enjoy a Whiffle Ball tournament, arts and crafts, balloon making, face painting, a pipe and drum band, and other fun activities.
“MDA summer camp is the best week of the year when children with neuromuscular disease can enjoy themselves in true peer groups and can participate in full range outdoor activities adapted to their abilities,” MDA Camp Director Gloria English said. “Besides being great fun, camp helps youngsters grow and develop emotionally and socially-it’s truly the highlight of the year, for both campers and volunteers.”
MDA is a voluntary health agency dedicated to helping more than one million Americans affected by neuromuscular disorders through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far reaching professional and public health education.
For more information about this event please contact Gloria English at (914) 345-5062 or at genglish@mdausa.org.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Operation "Fly Out" Begins
CRANSTON, R.I., August 16, 2010 – As many Rhode Islanders are squeezing in late summer vacations, it’s important to remember that neuromuscular diseases don’t take a vacation in stealing away muscle function from more than a million Americans. That’s why Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) constituents meet with U.S. Sen. Jack (D-R.I) on Tuesday, August 10, 2010 while the distinguished legislator is back home in Cranston during the brief August recess break from Washington politics.
The meeting, involving civic and business leaders with first-hand knowledge of the challenges families face because of progressive muscle diseases, is part of MDA’s annual “Fly-Out” campaign, orchestrated in communities across America since travel can be a real challenge for people with severe mobility impairments caused by muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease) and related disorders.
This year’s “Fly Out” takes on even greater urgency as Congress considers the SMA Treatment Acceleration Act and the Competitive Bidding Act. Both pieces of legislation are vitally important to people with neuromuscular disorders.
Local representatives of MDA’s extensive ‘grassroots’ organization comprising families served by MDA, volunteers, sponsors and MDA clinic directors, met with Sen. Reed at 3:30 p.m. to urge him to back both pieces of legislation. Across the nation, similar MDA “Fly Out” meetings are being orchestrated with elected officials to take advantage of the August recess by the U.S. House of Representatives.
The SMA Treatment Acceleration Act facilitates collaboration and funding to find a treatment or cure for SMA, the number one genetic killer of children aged two or younger. It would provide federal support for a national SMA Clinical Trials Network, accelerating therapeutic developments. The SMA Treatment Acceleration Act also would provide federal support to expand SMA research, among other things. August is SMA Awareness Month, so the timing of the discussion with Sen. Reed is particularly meaningful to thousands of families served by MDA.
The Competitive Bidding Act would eliminate the flawed competitive bidding program for Medicare’s durable medical equipment services such as wheelchairs, leg braces and hospital beds for at-home care. The current bidding system often forces patients to go to unfamiliar providers and inexperienced/unlicensed providers at a greater cost to Medicare while causing confusion and distress for patients.
For more information, call MDA at (401) 732-1910 or (800) 572-1717, or visit http://www.mda.org/advocacy/flyout.html. Rhode Island-area families affected by neuromuscular diseases can receive excellent medical services at the MDA Clinic at: Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, R.I.
More than a million people in America are affected by neuromuscular diseases. MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, SMA, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The first nonprofit to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Medical Association (“for significant and lasting contributions to the health and welfare of humanity”), MDA also provides advocacy, comprehensive health care and support services, and education. For more information, go to: http://www.mda.org/.
The meeting, involving civic and business leaders with first-hand knowledge of the challenges families face because of progressive muscle diseases, is part of MDA’s annual “Fly-Out” campaign, orchestrated in communities across America since travel can be a real challenge for people with severe mobility impairments caused by muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease) and related disorders.
This year’s “Fly Out” takes on even greater urgency as Congress considers the SMA Treatment Acceleration Act and the Competitive Bidding Act. Both pieces of legislation are vitally important to people with neuromuscular disorders.
Local representatives of MDA’s extensive ‘grassroots’ organization comprising families served by MDA, volunteers, sponsors and MDA clinic directors, met with Sen. Reed at 3:30 p.m. to urge him to back both pieces of legislation. Across the nation, similar MDA “Fly Out” meetings are being orchestrated with elected officials to take advantage of the August recess by the U.S. House of Representatives.
The SMA Treatment Acceleration Act facilitates collaboration and funding to find a treatment or cure for SMA, the number one genetic killer of children aged two or younger. It would provide federal support for a national SMA Clinical Trials Network, accelerating therapeutic developments. The SMA Treatment Acceleration Act also would provide federal support to expand SMA research, among other things. August is SMA Awareness Month, so the timing of the discussion with Sen. Reed is particularly meaningful to thousands of families served by MDA.
The Competitive Bidding Act would eliminate the flawed competitive bidding program for Medicare’s durable medical equipment services such as wheelchairs, leg braces and hospital beds for at-home care. The current bidding system often forces patients to go to unfamiliar providers and inexperienced/unlicensed providers at a greater cost to Medicare while causing confusion and distress for patients.
For more information, call MDA at (401) 732-1910 or (800) 572-1717, or visit http://www.mda.org/advocacy/flyout.html. Rhode Island-area families affected by neuromuscular diseases can receive excellent medical services at the MDA Clinic at: Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, R.I.
More than a million people in America are affected by neuromuscular diseases. MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, SMA, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The first nonprofit to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Medical Association (“for significant and lasting contributions to the health and welfare of humanity”), MDA also provides advocacy, comprehensive health care and support services, and education. For more information, go to: http://www.mda.org/.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Cumberland Rescue Local 2757 to Hold 7th Annual Motorcycle Run to Benefit MDA
Cumberland, R.I., August 9, 2010- On Sunday, August 29, 2010 members of the Cumberland Rescue Local 2725 will be hosting their 7th annual Motorcycle Run to benefit the Greater Rhode Island Chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
Motorcyclists can register for the event from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Cumberland Public Safety Union Hall at 7 Cray Street, Cumberland, R.I. The ride will begin at 11 a.m. and riders will enjoy a scenic ride finishing back at Cumberland Public Safety Union Hall. A donation of $25 per rider will be donated to MDA. In 2009, this event raised $1,700 for MDA. This year, Cumberland Local 2725 aims to raise $2,000.
The Cumberland Rescue Local 2725 is a part of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). This is the IAFF’s 56th year dedicating their time and efforts to the MDA. Since 1954 they have raised nearly $275 million dollars for the organization. They are the largest national sponsor of the MDA and pride themselves on their devotion to the cause.
MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. MDA combats neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and support services, and far-reaching professional and public health education.
Anyone wishing to participate in the ride or make a donation should contact Jim Richard at Cumberland Rescue at (401) 334-3090 or Steve Matos in the MDA office at (401) 732-1910 or smatos@mdausa.org.
Donations should be made payable to Cumberland Rescue, Local 2725. They can be sent to:
Cumberland Rescue, Local 2725
PO Box 7311
Cumberland, RI 02864
Motorcyclists can register for the event from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Cumberland Public Safety Union Hall at 7 Cray Street, Cumberland, R.I. The ride will begin at 11 a.m. and riders will enjoy a scenic ride finishing back at Cumberland Public Safety Union Hall. A donation of $25 per rider will be donated to MDA. In 2009, this event raised $1,700 for MDA. This year, Cumberland Local 2725 aims to raise $2,000.
The Cumberland Rescue Local 2725 is a part of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). This is the IAFF’s 56th year dedicating their time and efforts to the MDA. Since 1954 they have raised nearly $275 million dollars for the organization. They are the largest national sponsor of the MDA and pride themselves on their devotion to the cause.
MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. MDA combats neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and support services, and far-reaching professional and public health education.
Anyone wishing to participate in the ride or make a donation should contact Jim Richard at Cumberland Rescue at (401) 334-3090 or Steve Matos in the MDA office at (401) 732-1910 or smatos@mdausa.org.
Donations should be made payable to Cumberland Rescue, Local 2725. They can be sent to:
Cumberland Rescue, Local 2725
PO Box 7311
Cumberland, RI 02864
Monday, August 2, 2010
Rhode Island Fire Department Announce Statewide Fundraising Goal for MDA
Providence, R.I., August 2, 2010 – On Friday, July 30, 2010, the Rhode Island State Association of Fire Fighters (RISAFF) announced they have set a goal to raise over $272,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) this year.
Representatives from MDA, Goodwill Ambassador Abby Alsfeld, and firefighters from across the state joined RISAFF Vice President Joseph Andriole in showing their dedication to raising as much money as possible for the fight against neuromuscular disease. Fire Departments represented at the conference were Providence Local 799, Pawtucket Local 4421, Smithfield Local 2050, Johnston Local 1950, North Kingstown Local 1651, Smithfield Local 2050, Warwick Local 2748, and West Warwick Local 1104. The Fill-the-Boot drive was kicked off by Goodwill Ambassador Abby Alsfeld, who put the first dollar in a fire boot for MDA.
Fire Departments across the state, as well as the nation, raise money for MDA mainly by taking part in the fill-the-boot campaign, where fire fighters volunteer their time to collect money at local intersections. All of the proceeds raised go towards MDA’s research programs, services, Summer Camp, and support groups which benefit local Rhode Island individuals and families affected by neuromuscular disease. Last year, the state of Rhode Island rose over $220,000 for MDA.
This is the International Association of Fire Fighter’s 56th year dedicating their time and efforts to MDA. Since 1954 they have raised nearly $275 million dollars for the organization. They are the largest national sponsor of MDA and pride themselves on their devotion to the cause.
MDA is a national voluntary health agency working to defeat muscular dystrophy and related diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education. MDA also sponsors 220 hospital-affiliated clinics, one of which is at Rhode Island Hospital, and supports nearly 400 research projects around the world.
For more information on this event please contact Steve Matos at smatos@mdausa.org or at (401) 732-1910 or contact Brooke Eder at (203) 288-3500 or at beder@mdausa.org.
Representatives from MDA, Goodwill Ambassador Abby Alsfeld, and firefighters from across the state joined RISAFF Vice President Joseph Andriole in showing their dedication to raising as much money as possible for the fight against neuromuscular disease. Fire Departments represented at the conference were Providence Local 799, Pawtucket Local 4421, Smithfield Local 2050, Johnston Local 1950, North Kingstown Local 1651, Smithfield Local 2050, Warwick Local 2748, and West Warwick Local 1104. The Fill-the-Boot drive was kicked off by Goodwill Ambassador Abby Alsfeld, who put the first dollar in a fire boot for MDA.
Fire Departments across the state, as well as the nation, raise money for MDA mainly by taking part in the fill-the-boot campaign, where fire fighters volunteer their time to collect money at local intersections. All of the proceeds raised go towards MDA’s research programs, services, Summer Camp, and support groups which benefit local Rhode Island individuals and families affected by neuromuscular disease. Last year, the state of Rhode Island rose over $220,000 for MDA.
This is the International Association of Fire Fighter’s 56th year dedicating their time and efforts to MDA. Since 1954 they have raised nearly $275 million dollars for the organization. They are the largest national sponsor of MDA and pride themselves on their devotion to the cause.
MDA is a national voluntary health agency working to defeat muscular dystrophy and related diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education. MDA also sponsors 220 hospital-affiliated clinics, one of which is at Rhode Island Hospital, and supports nearly 400 research projects around the world.
For more information on this event please contact Steve Matos at smatos@mdausa.org or at (401) 732-1910 or contact Brooke Eder at (203) 288-3500 or at beder@mdausa.org.
The Minuteman of Dartmouth HOG Chapter 2522 to Hold 16th Annual Ride for Life to Benefit
DARTMOUTH, Mass., August 2, 2010 – The Minuteman of Dartmouth HOG Chapter 2522 will be holding its 16th Annual Ride for Life to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) on Sunday, September 5, 2010.
Motorcyclists can register for the event from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the Seekonk Speedway located at 1710 Fall River Avenue in Seekonk, Mass. Preregistration forms are available at http://www.minutemanhog.com. Registration costs $15 per person and includes a barbecue with hot dogs and hamburgers, music, vendors, and more. All bikes are welcome.
The ride will depart from Seekonk Speedway at 12 p.m. sharp, rain or shine, and end at Minuteman Harley-Davidson on 799 State Road in Dartmouth, Mass. Event t-shirts will be available for purchase at both the Seekonk Speedway and at the Minuteman Harley Davidson destination. This will be a police escorted ride and helmets are required. This year, the Minuteman Dartmouth Hog Chapter has set a goal to raise $6,000 for MDA.
MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. MDA combats neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and support services, and far-reaching professional and public health education.
For more information on this event please contact Steve Matos at (401) 732-1910 or smatos@mdausa.org.
Motorcyclists can register for the event from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the Seekonk Speedway located at 1710 Fall River Avenue in Seekonk, Mass. Preregistration forms are available at http://www.minutemanhog.com. Registration costs $15 per person and includes a barbecue with hot dogs and hamburgers, music, vendors, and more. All bikes are welcome.
The ride will depart from Seekonk Speedway at 12 p.m. sharp, rain or shine, and end at Minuteman Harley-Davidson on 799 State Road in Dartmouth, Mass. Event t-shirts will be available for purchase at both the Seekonk Speedway and at the Minuteman Harley Davidson destination. This will be a police escorted ride and helmets are required. This year, the Minuteman Dartmouth Hog Chapter has set a goal to raise $6,000 for MDA.
MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. MDA combats neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and support services, and far-reaching professional and public health education.
For more information on this event please contact Steve Matos at (401) 732-1910 or smatos@mdausa.org.
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