Hamtramck Firefighters Local #750 will be among the dedicated heroes raising funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and will be out in the community on August 14th, 21st, and 28th at Jos. Campau/Holbrook and Caniff/Conant intersections. These dedicated heroes, with the generous support of the community members want to raise money in the quest to overcome this life changing disease.

Committed to the eradication of neuromuscular diseases, the Michigan Professional Firefighters Union (MPFFU), members of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), is a longtime friend and supporter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Fill-the-Boot drives are the primary means by which the IAFF has raised $450 million for MDA since 1954. Last year, MPFFU locals raised $390,000 for MDA.

For several years, MPFFU members in Hamtramck have hit the streets to bring help and hope to “Jerry’s Kids”. Fill-The-Boot funds support MDA’s services locally and nationally, including medical clinics staffed with specialists in muscle disease and accessible summer camps for kids. Local clinics and camps benefiting from Fill-the-Boot funds include Children’s Hospital in Detroit, the Michigan Institute for Neuromuscular Disorders (M.I.N.D.) in Farmington Hills, and 3 weeklong session of summer camp at Camp Cavell in Lexington. Local research is currently being performed at Michigan State University, Wayne State University and the University of Michigan. There are over 1,800 families affected within the Metro Detroit area.

Founded in 1950, MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive service, and far-reaching professional and public health education. The Association’s programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributions.