The East Longmeadow Fire Department Local 2426 will fill the boot for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) on Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fire fighters will volunteer their time to collect donations for the fight against neuromuscular disease at the Rotary in East Longmeadow, Mass.
In 2010, the East Longmeadow Fire Department raised $10,000 for the Association. Over the past eight years, they have raised approximately $65,000 to benefit MDA.
All of the proceeds will go towards MDA’s services, research programs, and support groups that benefit individuals and families in the local area. Funds help send children fighting against neuromuscular disease to MDA Summer Camp.
Local 2426 is a member of The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), which is MDA’s largest national sponsor. Last year, locals throughout the United States raised over $27.6 million to help individuals affected by neuromuscular disease. Since 1954, IAFF members have donated more than $450 million to MDA.
MDA is the nonprofit healthy agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related disease by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.
For more information on this event, please contact Dan Marquis at (860) 633-4466 or dmarquis@mdausa.org or Valerie D’Angiolini at (203) 288-3500 or vdangiolini@mdausa.org.
This blog covers news from the district offices in Providence, Hartford, New Haven, Maywood, Tinton Falls, Hawthorne and Western Long Island
Monday, August 8, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
MDA Honors Monroe Resident with Top Achievement Award for Connecticut
The Muscular Dystrophy Association has named Paul Breslawski of Monroe the recipient of its 2011 Robert Ross Personal Achievement Award for Connecticut.
Breslawski, 22, was selected for MDA’s highest achievement award in Connecticut due to his outstanding academic achievements and his dedication and commitment to serving as a role model for others with disabilities.
Breslawski is affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which causes severe muscle weakness and atrophy. He uses a power chair for mobility and has had a cardiac defibrillator implanted to help his heart beat normally.
In May, Breslawski graduated from Sacred Heart University summa cum laude with a degree in political science. He has a strong interest in government and politics, served as an intern in the office of Congressman Jim Himes in Bridgeport in 2009. He also worked on the campaign for Governor Dan Malloy in 2010.
Other notable honors Breslawski received upon graduation include the Gold Medal of Excellence in Political Science and third place in the Writing Across the Curriculum contest for a research paper on Chief Justice Harlan F. Stone in his Constitutional Law course.
Breslawski plans to attend either graduate school to become a social studies teacher, or law school. He credits his family, friends and faith in God with helping him to maintain a positive attitude and keep going, no matter what his muscle disease may throw at him. In addition to politics, Breslawski enjoys video games and rock music.
“It gives me great joy to announce that Paul Breslawski is Connecticut’s Robert Ross MDA Personal Achievement Award recipient for 2011,” said MDA President & CEO Gerald C. Weinberg. “He is a wonderful example of the kind of leadership that people with disabilities contribute to their communities every day.”
About the award
Breslawski was selected as Connecticut’s state award recipient after having been selected for a local award by MDA’s Westchester Area Chapter.
One person will be selected from among all the state honorees around the country and named MDA’s national 2012 Robert Ross Personal Achievement Award recipient.
The award is named in memory of Robert Ross, MDA’s longtime chief executive who died in 2006. Ross created the Personal Achievement Award program in 1992 to recognize the exemplary accomplishments and community service of people who have any of the 40-plus neuromuscular diseases for which MDA seeks treatments and cures.
MDA’s 2011 national award recipient is Thomas Hale Arrington III of Chesapeake, Va. Mr. Arrington is a clean-energy entrepreneur who founded Atlantic Wind Energy, a company that promotes the use of renewable energy. He currently is president of Tidewater Biodiesel, a company that plans to produce fuel from waste vegetable oil. Arrington, 48, has facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.
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.
For residents with muscular dystrophy and related diseases in the Monroe area, MDA maintains a clinic at White Plains Hospital and Medical Center in White Plains, N.Y.
The 46th annual MDA Labor Day Telethon will air Sunday, Sept. 4 from 6 p.m. to midnight on FOX61 in the Monroe area.
Breslawski, 22, was selected for MDA’s highest achievement award in Connecticut due to his outstanding academic achievements and his dedication and commitment to serving as a role model for others with disabilities.
Breslawski is affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which causes severe muscle weakness and atrophy. He uses a power chair for mobility and has had a cardiac defibrillator implanted to help his heart beat normally.
In May, Breslawski graduated from Sacred Heart University summa cum laude with a degree in political science. He has a strong interest in government and politics, served as an intern in the office of Congressman Jim Himes in Bridgeport in 2009. He also worked on the campaign for Governor Dan Malloy in 2010.
Other notable honors Breslawski received upon graduation include the Gold Medal of Excellence in Political Science and third place in the Writing Across the Curriculum contest for a research paper on Chief Justice Harlan F. Stone in his Constitutional Law course.
Breslawski plans to attend either graduate school to become a social studies teacher, or law school. He credits his family, friends and faith in God with helping him to maintain a positive attitude and keep going, no matter what his muscle disease may throw at him. In addition to politics, Breslawski enjoys video games and rock music.
“It gives me great joy to announce that Paul Breslawski is Connecticut’s Robert Ross MDA Personal Achievement Award recipient for 2011,” said MDA President & CEO Gerald C. Weinberg. “He is a wonderful example of the kind of leadership that people with disabilities contribute to their communities every day.”
About the award
Breslawski was selected as Connecticut’s state award recipient after having been selected for a local award by MDA’s Westchester Area Chapter.
One person will be selected from among all the state honorees around the country and named MDA’s national 2012 Robert Ross Personal Achievement Award recipient.
The award is named in memory of Robert Ross, MDA’s longtime chief executive who died in 2006. Ross created the Personal Achievement Award program in 1992 to recognize the exemplary accomplishments and community service of people who have any of the 40-plus neuromuscular diseases for which MDA seeks treatments and cures.
MDA’s 2011 national award recipient is Thomas Hale Arrington III of Chesapeake, Va. Mr. Arrington is a clean-energy entrepreneur who founded Atlantic Wind Energy, a company that promotes the use of renewable energy. He currently is president of Tidewater Biodiesel, a company that plans to produce fuel from waste vegetable oil. Arrington, 48, has facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.
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.
For residents with muscular dystrophy and related diseases in the Monroe area, MDA maintains a clinic at White Plains Hospital and Medical Center in White Plains, N.Y.
The 46th annual MDA Labor Day Telethon will air Sunday, Sept. 4 from 6 p.m. to midnight on FOX61 in the Monroe area.
MDA Honors Hope Valley Resident with Top Achievement Award for Rhode Island
The Muscular Dystrophy Association has named Shane Bourque of Hope Valley the recipient of its 2011 Robert Ross Personal Achievement Award for Rhode Island.
Bourque, 19, was selected for MDA’s highest achievement award in Rhode Island for his courageous spirit and outstanding community service in behalf of people with disabilities.
Bourque has Becker muscular dystrophy, which causes muscle weakness and atrophy. He recently finished his first year at Rhode Island College, majoring in journalism and broadcasting. Since receiving his diagnosis at the age of 7, Bourque and his family have been very active in a wide variety of MDA events.
In addition to serving two terms (2004 and 2005) as MDA’s Goodwill Ambassador for Rhode Island, Bourque has been involved with the local broadcast of the MDA Labor Day Telethon, and he and his family were featured nationally during the 2003 Telethon in Los Angeles. Over the years, he has been actively involved in many MDA fundraising events including Shamrock sales and Muscle Walks. He also created a piece of artwork which he donated to the MDA Art Collection.
“It gives me great joy to announce that Shane Bourque is Rhode Island’s Robert Ross MDA Personal Achievement Award recipient for 2011,” said MDA President & CEO Gerald C. Weinberg. “He is a wonderful example of the kind of leadership that people with disabilities contribute to their communities every day.”
Bourque was selected as Rhode Island’s state award recipient after having been selected for a local award by MDA’s Greater Rhode Island Chapter.
One person will be selected from among all the state honorees around the country and named MDA’s national 2012 Robert Ross Personal Achievement Award recipient.
The award is named in memory of Robert Ross, MDA’s longtime chief executive who died in 2006. Ross created the Personal Achievement Award program in 1992 to recognize the exemplary accomplishments and community service of people who have any of the 40-plus neuromuscular diseases for which MDA seeks treatments and cures.
MDA’s 2011 national award recipient is Thomas Hale Arrington III of Chesapeake, Va. Mr. Arrington is a clean-energy entrepreneur who founded Atlantic Wind Energy, a company that promotes the use of renewable energy. He currently is president of Tidewater Biodiesel, a company that plans to produce fuel from waste vegetable oil. Arrington, 48, has facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.
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.
For residents with muscular dystrophy and related diseases in Rhode Island, MDA maintains a clinic at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence.
The 46th annual MDA Labor Day Telethon will air Sunday, Sept. 4 on from 6 p.m. to midnight on WLNE-ABC 6 in Rhode Island.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Connecticut Summer Camp 8/7 - 8/12
Starting Sunday, August 7 to Friday, August 12, 2011, the Muscular Dystrophy Association will host its annual summer camp for children with neuromuscular diseases in Hebron, Connecticut at East Seals Camp Hemlocks. Camp Hemlocks serves campers throughout the entire state, including Hartford, New Haven, Litchfield, New London, Tolland, and Fairfield counties, and parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. This year for campers, every day is a holiday, where each day celebrates something different. Holidays include St. Patrick's Day, Halloween, July 4th and more.
Since MDA’s first camp in 1955, thousands of volunteers from throughout the country have annually helped children with neuromuscular diseases enjoy extraordinary weeks at MDA camp. It’s no different at East Seals Camp Hemlocks in 2011.
Baseball? Got it. Soccer? Yes. Water games? Check. Arts & Crafts? Indeed. This year, every day will be a holiday for campers, as they celebrate July 4th, Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day, among others. Camp dances, karaoke, swimming, and scavenger hunts round out the activities campers enjoy during their week at MDA camp.
“MDA summer camp is the week that our kids think about year-round,’’ said Stephen Fredericksen MDA Executive Director. “For one week out of the year, they get to be in an environment where having a neuromuscular disease is the norm, not the exception. They have the chance to experience barrier-free activities and make friendships and memories that last a lifetime.’’
The campers are featured guests in what is a loving and inspirational playground known as MDA camp. Stories are plentiful among the long-standing counselors, medical personnel and the children, who truly are the stars of each week long camp session. They will inspire you. They will amuse and amaze you with their stories of summer camp experiences.
MDA Summer Camp will hold a VIP/Media day on Tuesday, August 9, 2011. This day offers incredible visuals and fun moments involving many notable business and community leaders. MDA can arrange for the media to hold meaningful interviews with children, parents and volunteers before, during or after summer sessions.
Information on VIP Day:
WHO: Some 40 area children with muscular dystrophy and related diseases, plus scores of volunteer counselors and business and civic leaders visiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association summer camp.
WHAT: VIP/Media Day -- A magical day during an extraordinary week of fun-filled activities, exuberance and freedom from the restraints of “no, you can’t do that!” for local youngsters with mobility challenges caused by progressive neuromuscular disorders.
Get exceptional B-roll footage and interview some remarkable children, or exceptional Hebron community volunteers serving as counselors, nurses and physicians, some using their own vacation time to make it so. Hear why local MDA sponsors are involved year-round, and why many people contribute to MDA to help send kids to camp at an average cost of $800 per camper.
WHEN: Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 11:30AM
WHERE: East Seals Camp Hemlocks
85 Jones Street
Hebron, CT 06248
(860) 228-9496
CONTACT: Valerie D’Angiolini, Regional Public Affairs Coordinator, at (203) 288-3500, vdangiolini@mdausa.org or Jennifer Dain, Health Care Service Coordinator, at (203) 248-6500 or jdain@mdausa.org.
Since MDA’s first camp in 1955, thousands of volunteers from throughout the country have annually helped children with neuromuscular diseases enjoy extraordinary weeks at MDA camp. It’s no different at East Seals Camp Hemlocks in 2011.
Baseball? Got it. Soccer? Yes. Water games? Check. Arts & Crafts? Indeed. This year, every day will be a holiday for campers, as they celebrate July 4th, Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day, among others. Camp dances, karaoke, swimming, and scavenger hunts round out the activities campers enjoy during their week at MDA camp.
“MDA summer camp is the week that our kids think about year-round,’’ said Stephen Fredericksen MDA Executive Director. “For one week out of the year, they get to be in an environment where having a neuromuscular disease is the norm, not the exception. They have the chance to experience barrier-free activities and make friendships and memories that last a lifetime.’’
The campers are featured guests in what is a loving and inspirational playground known as MDA camp. Stories are plentiful among the long-standing counselors, medical personnel and the children, who truly are the stars of each week long camp session. They will inspire you. They will amuse and amaze you with their stories of summer camp experiences.
MDA Summer Camp will hold a VIP/Media day on Tuesday, August 9, 2011. This day offers incredible visuals and fun moments involving many notable business and community leaders. MDA can arrange for the media to hold meaningful interviews with children, parents and volunteers before, during or after summer sessions.
Information on VIP Day:
WHO: Some 40 area children with muscular dystrophy and related diseases, plus scores of volunteer counselors and business and civic leaders visiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association summer camp.
WHAT: VIP/Media Day -- A magical day during an extraordinary week of fun-filled activities, exuberance and freedom from the restraints of “no, you can’t do that!” for local youngsters with mobility challenges caused by progressive neuromuscular disorders.
Get exceptional B-roll footage and interview some remarkable children, or exceptional Hebron community volunteers serving as counselors, nurses and physicians, some using their own vacation time to make it so. Hear why local MDA sponsors are involved year-round, and why many people contribute to MDA to help send kids to camp at an average cost of $800 per camper.
WHEN: Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 11:30AM
WHERE: East Seals Camp Hemlocks
85 Jones Street
Hebron, CT 06248
(860) 228-9496
CONTACT: Valerie D’Angiolini, Regional Public Affairs Coordinator, at (203) 288-3500, vdangiolini@mdausa.org or Jennifer Dain, Health Care Service Coordinator, at (203) 248-6500 or jdain@mdausa.org.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Providence Holds Telethon Executive Lock Up
Local business leaders will be heading to “jail” on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 from noon to 3 p.m. at McFadden’s Restaurant in order to raise their “bail” for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
Community business leaders will be arrested at their place of business and transported to McFadden’s, located at 52 Pine St., Providence, R.I. 02903, to serve their time at the local MDA Lock-Up. The “jailbirds” will be served complimentary “jail” food, while they each attempt to raise at least $2,000 in bail money.
Local “jailbirds” will raise bail money, all of which benefits the fight against neuromuscular disease. This year the local MDA set a goal to raise $40,000 at the event.
During the Lock Up, challenges will be set and prizes will be awarded. Prizes have been donated by Alayne White Spa, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Dave & Buster’s, Newport Playhouse & Cabaret, Scrumptions, Newport Playhouse and Cabaret, Eastside Marketplace, and more.
To date, the top three jailbirds have each raised over $1,000. The highest fundraising “jailbirds” include Gina Clapprood of Manpower with $1,390, Bob Fay of Freedom National Bank with $1,064, and Debbie Kenny of Burns & Cotter with $1,030
The Providence Lock Up has been designated a Telethon Lock-Up Event. “Jailbirds” can sell two Gold Telethon Stars for $500 each and sell four Silver Telethon Stars for $250 each. The company or individual will be announced on the live local broadcast of the MDA Labor Day telethon as a Gold/Silver Star Sponsor. The MDA Labor Day Telethon will air locally on ABC6 on Sunday, September 4, 2011 from 6 p.m. to midnight. A Telethon Star purchase is a tax-deductible with a bonus on-air credit showing their goodwill to the community.
MDA is the nonprofit healthy agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related disease by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.
For more information on this event or to register as a “jailbird”, please contact Jane Young at (401) 732-1910 or jmyoung@mdausa.org or Valerie D’Angiolini at (203) 288-3500 or vdangiolini@mdausa.org.
Community business leaders will be arrested at their place of business and transported to McFadden’s, located at 52 Pine St., Providence, R.I. 02903, to serve their time at the local MDA Lock-Up. The “jailbirds” will be served complimentary “jail” food, while they each attempt to raise at least $2,000 in bail money.
Local “jailbirds” will raise bail money, all of which benefits the fight against neuromuscular disease. This year the local MDA set a goal to raise $40,000 at the event.
During the Lock Up, challenges will be set and prizes will be awarded. Prizes have been donated by Alayne White Spa, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Dave & Buster’s, Newport Playhouse & Cabaret, Scrumptions, Newport Playhouse and Cabaret, Eastside Marketplace, and more.
To date, the top three jailbirds have each raised over $1,000. The highest fundraising “jailbirds” include Gina Clapprood of Manpower with $1,390, Bob Fay of Freedom National Bank with $1,064, and Debbie Kenny of Burns & Cotter with $1,030
The Providence Lock Up has been designated a Telethon Lock-Up Event. “Jailbirds” can sell two Gold Telethon Stars for $500 each and sell four Silver Telethon Stars for $250 each. The company or individual will be announced on the live local broadcast of the MDA Labor Day telethon as a Gold/Silver Star Sponsor. The MDA Labor Day Telethon will air locally on ABC6 on Sunday, September 4, 2011 from 6 p.m. to midnight. A Telethon Star purchase is a tax-deductible with a bonus on-air credit showing their goodwill to the community.
MDA is the nonprofit healthy agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related disease by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.
For more information on this event or to register as a “jailbird”, please contact Jane Young at (401) 732-1910 or jmyoung@mdausa.org or Valerie D’Angiolini at (203) 288-3500 or vdangiolini@mdausa.org.
Rockland County Business Leaders Get "Locked Up" for MDA
Local N.Y. business leaders will be heading to “jail” on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Nyack Seaport to raise their “bail” for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
Community business leaders will be arrested at their place of business and transported to The Nyack Seaport, located at 21 Burd Street in Nyack NY 10960, to serve their time at the local MDA Lock-Up. Sponsors from Driven Eco, Leros, Majesty Limo Service, On-Time Transport Inc., and Twins Mobility Limousine Services will transport “jailbirds” to the Lock Up.
The “jailbirds” will be served complimentary “jail” food, while they each attempt to raise at least $2,400 in bail money.
Last year, local “jailbirds” raised $85,000 to benefit the fight against neuromuscular disease. This year the local MDA has set a goal to raise $100,000 at the event.
MDA appreciates the support from the accounting sponsor, M&T Bank.
Three-time Emmy Award Winning Sports Broadcast Journalist Colin Cosell from MSG Varsity will be the Master of Ceremonies at the event. The entertainment Sponsor is Philip C. Roventini
MDA will be giving a Lifetime Offender award to Philip Roventini, a 10 year jailbird. He has raised over $12,000 for MDA through his experience as a jailbird for various Lock Up programs. He is self employed at Philip Roventini CPA.
MDA is the nonprofit healthy agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related disease by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.
For more information on this event or to register as a “jailbird”, please contact Meredith Buono-Sauro at (914) 345-5062 or msauro@mdausa.org or Valerie D’Angiolini at (203) 288-3500 or vdangiolini@mdausa.org. Please contact The Nyack Seaport at www.nyackseaport.com. 845-353-3200.
Community business leaders will be arrested at their place of business and transported to The Nyack Seaport, located at 21 Burd Street in Nyack NY 10960, to serve their time at the local MDA Lock-Up. Sponsors from Driven Eco, Leros, Majesty Limo Service, On-Time Transport Inc., and Twins Mobility Limousine Services will transport “jailbirds” to the Lock Up.
The “jailbirds” will be served complimentary “jail” food, while they each attempt to raise at least $2,400 in bail money.
Last year, local “jailbirds” raised $85,000 to benefit the fight against neuromuscular disease. This year the local MDA has set a goal to raise $100,000 at the event.
MDA appreciates the support from the accounting sponsor, M&T Bank.
Three-time Emmy Award Winning Sports Broadcast Journalist Colin Cosell from MSG Varsity will be the Master of Ceremonies at the event. The entertainment Sponsor is Philip C. Roventini
MDA will be giving a Lifetime Offender award to Philip Roventini, a 10 year jailbird. He has raised over $12,000 for MDA through his experience as a jailbird for various Lock Up programs. He is self employed at Philip Roventini CPA.
MDA is the nonprofit healthy agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related disease by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.
For more information on this event or to register as a “jailbird”, please contact Meredith Buono-Sauro at (914) 345-5062 or msauro@mdausa.org or Valerie D’Angiolini at (203) 288-3500 or vdangiolini@mdausa.org. Please contact The Nyack Seaport at www.nyackseaport.com. 845-353-3200.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Cranston Local 1363 Extends Support Beyond Rhode Island Statewide Fill the Boot Day
The Cranston Fire Department Local 1363 will hold their own Fill the Boot drive over Labor Day weekend, in addition to participating in the Rhode Island Statewide Fill the Boot day on Saturday, July 30, 2011, to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
All six Cranston stations will collect donations for the fight against neuromuscular disease on Saturday, September 3 and Sunday, September 4, 2011. Their six locations include 131 Park Avenue, 301 Pontiac Avenue, 1384 Cranston Street, 160 Sockanosset Cross Road,1041 Oaklawn Avenue, and 1155 Scituate Avenue.
Last year, Cranston Local 1363 raised $7,700 through their fill the boot efforts.
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 though programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and support services, and far-reaching professional and public health education.
For more information, please contact Jane Young at (401) 732-1910 or jmyoung@mdausa.org or Valerie D’Angiolini at (203) 288-3500 or vdangiolini@mdausa.org.
All six Cranston stations will collect donations for the fight against neuromuscular disease on Saturday, September 3 and Sunday, September 4, 2011. Their six locations include 131 Park Avenue, 301 Pontiac Avenue, 1384 Cranston Street, 160 Sockanosset Cross Road,1041 Oaklawn Avenue, and 1155 Scituate Avenue.
Last year, Cranston Local 1363 raised $7,700 through their fill the boot efforts.
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 though programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and support services, and far-reaching professional and public health education.
For more information, please contact Jane Young at (401) 732-1910 or jmyoung@mdausa.org or Valerie D’Angiolini at (203) 288-3500 or vdangiolini@mdausa.org.
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