Photo:  Granby Volunteer fire fighters (from left to right) Kerby Horvath; Kyle Corda; and, Paul Mintier out to “fill the boot” in front of City Market in Granby     Photo by Casey Malon

 

Every Labor Day, at intersections, shopping centers and other public areas, you’ll see firefighters out, boots in hand, accepting donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. I myself make a point of saving all my change collected over the summer, and “dumping” it into the first boot I see, which happened this afternoon.

Grand County Firefighters are out in full force this weekend, collecting funds for MDA, a tradition that began over 60 years ago. Since 1954, IAFF has supported MDA with unwavering drive and relentless passion. Because of their dedication and support to this cause, three new drugs for neuromuscular diseases have been recently approved, and more are expected in the next five years than in the past five decades. These treatments are life-changing for MDA families where walking, talking and even breathing can be difficult. Until a cure is found, we’ll be filling those boots together.

Every boot drive helps families with muscular dystrophy in our community by funding research for new treatments. Fire fighters have played a major role in funding research for muscular dystrophy and in the last year, three promising new drugs received FDA approval. The boot drive also supports MDA Care Centers, centers held at top hospitals and health care facilities which give families access to best-in-class doctors and specialists without having to travel long distances; and, sending kids to MDA Summer Camp, giving more than 3,800 kids a life-changing week at MDA Summer Camp, at no charge to their families.

“For more than 60 years, our members have been working hard for MDA, filling the boot on behalf of this great charity. They know that what they do truly makes a difference in the lives of so many. Until there is a cure, we plan to continue the partnership”, said International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) General President Harold A. Schaitberger.

So this weekend, those that aren’t out risking their lives fighting fires will be out risking their lives, standing at the intersections of roads and drives. When you see these fire fighters out holding their boot, reach deep and help them reach their goal of finding a cure for Muscular Dystrophy.