Anna Fire Fighters Raise $5,100 for MDA Through Fill the Boot

The Anna Fire Department raised $5,100 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association by participating in the Fill the Boot campaign every day between June 18 and July 9.

Fire fighters filled their boots with donations from Anna residents and passersby at the intersection of FM 455 and Highway 5 every weekday morning and throughout the day on weekends during the campaign. 2011 was the first year for Anna fire fighters to participate in Fill the Boot, and MDA is grateful that the fire department hit the streets for nearly a month.

"We really appreciate the Anna Fire Department's dedication to this cause," said MDA Executive Director Jacquelin Way. "Anna fire fighters are truly committed to making muscle disease history."

MDA's Fill the Boot program is supported by fire departments across America. Last year, Texas fire fighters raised more than $4 million for MDA, the most out of any state in the country. Fill the Boot funds support MDA services locally and nationally, including medical clinics at Children's Medical Center of Dallas, Texas Neurology, Texoma Neurology Associates, and The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and MDA Summer Camp for youth at Camp John Marc in Meridian.

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. Up-to-date information about MDA services and research can be found at www.MDA.org.

For more information, please contact Jacquelin Way at 972-480-0011 or Kelsey McGonigle at 972-480-0070.

Law Abiding Citizens Stand Trial to Help MDA

The Muscular Dystrophy Association will put some of the "Most Wanted" downtown Dallas executives in the "courtroom" on Thursday, July 28 between 4 and 7 p.m. at the Stoneleigh Hotel and Spa for the first ever Downtown Dallas Nite Court.

The "defendants" might be "on trial", but this is no ordinary legal case. On the day of Downtown Dallas Nite Court, participants will be "summoned" to present themselves before a "judge" at the newly renovated Stoneleigh Hotel, located on Maple Avenue in Uptown, for trial. The defendants' cases will only be dismissed when they recruit friends and family to help pay "court fees" to MDA totaling to $2,000, the cost of 20 support group sessions for people affected by neuromuscular disease. The goal for the day is to have the defendants raise $175,000 for the Association.

Downtown Dallas Nite Court comes in preparation for MDA's annual Labor Day Telethon, which will be broadcast in the Dallas/Fort Worth area September 4 on TXA 21.

MDA is the nonprofit health agency working to defeat muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research and providing comprehensive health care and support services. MDA has 200 hospital-affiliated clinics nationwide to serve those living with any of the 43 neuromuscular diseases.

For more information, please contact Tatiana Higdon at 972-480-0011 or Kelsey McGonigle at 972-480-0070.

Princeton Fire Fighters Fill the Boot for MDA

The Princeton Volunteer Fire Department will partner up with the Muscular Dystrophy Association on July 23 for MDA's Fill the Boot campaign.


Princeton fire fighters will fill their boots with donations from residents and passersby at the intersections of 380 & 4th Street, 380 & Yorkshire, and FM 982 & FM 3364 the morning of July 23. The Princeton Volunteer Fire Department was just shy of collecting $1,000 for MDA in 2010, so the department is hoping to make that much and more during their 2011 efforts.


The Fill the Boot campaign sends young people with neuromuscular disease to MDA Summer Camps, including Camp John Marc in Meridian, and supports clinics at Children's Medical Center of Dallas, Texas Neurology, Texoma Neurology Associates, and The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.


MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and other related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. Up-to-date information about MDA services and research can be found at www.MDA.org.

Knowledge to Success

THINKING ABOUT GOING TO COLLEGE OR GETTING A CAREER?

HOW ABOUT GAINING SOME INDEPENDENCE POST HIGH SCHOOL?

If these are questions that you have been looking for answers to, look no further!

Young adults aged 16 to 25 are cordially invited to attend the 3rd Annual Knowledge to Success presented by the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Children's Medical Center-Dallas.

We are currently confirming local schools and organizations for you to meet with about obtaining your educational and independence goals.  To date, we have representatives attending from some of our local colleges and universities, DART paratransit services, Canine Companions for Independence, and many more!

Join us on August 20 at Children's Medical Center Pavilion in the Independence Room on the first floor.  Invitations will be mailed out at the end of July and we do ask that you please RSVP at that time.  Breakfast and lunch will be provided compliments of United Rehab Specialties.

Stay tuned for further information.

Questions? Feel free to contact Jennifer Garst at jgarst@mdausa.org or 972-480-0016.

If you know anyone who may be beneficial to this event (any organizations or
schools) please let me know at the email address above.

MDA Hosts Mobility Expo to Get North Texans Moving

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is hosting a Mobility Expo on Wednesday, July 6 from 4 to 8 p.m. at United Access to provide valuable information about wheelchairs and other forms of mobility equipment.


Representatives from First Care Medical, Majors Medical Services, United Access and United Rehab Specialists will attend Wednesday's Expo to educate people affected by the 43 neuromuscular diseases about the mobility options specific to their own needs. Guests will receive information about wheelchairs, mobility equipment, new vehicles and vehicle modifications. Complimentary inspections are being offered to already modified vehicles, and attendees will enjoy food and door prizes as they explore the resources available to them.


"We want to provide the families we serve with as much information as possible about the best ways to get around," said MDA Health Care Services Coordinator Angela Presley. "The Mobility Expo is designed to give out necessary information in a fun environment."


The Mobility Expo is open to the public. Those who wish to attend the Mobility Expo must RSVP by July 5 to Gary Roden at 972-480-0016 or groden@mdausa.org.


MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. MDA provides services locally and nationally, including medical clinics staffed with specialists in neuromuscular disease like Children's Medical Center of Dallas, Texas Neurology, Texoma Neurology Associates, and The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Up-to-date information about MDA services and research can be found at www.MDA.org.


For more information, please contact Gary Roden at 972-480-0016 or Kelsey McGonigle at 972-480-0070.