MDA Show of Strength!

MDA SHOW OF STRENGTH™ FEATURES STARSTUDDED

TALENT, FOCUSES ON FAMILIES

 

Scheduled to appear: Carrie Underwood, Pitbull, Will.i.am featuring Eva

Simons, Carole King, Paula Abdul, All-American Rejects, Big Bad Voodoo

Daddy, B.o.B, Brandy, Luke Bryan, Gavin DeGraw, Hot Chelle Rae,

Karmin, Tim McGraw, Alanis Morissette, Khloe Kardashian Odom,

OneRepublic and more!

The annual Labor Day weekend tradition continues with a new team at

the helm and a renewed energy to bring America great entertainment along with heartfelt

‘stories of strength’ from the show’s true stars – MDA’s families

TUCSON, Ariz., Aug. 9, 2012 –

Carrie Underwood, Pitbull, Will.i.am and Carole King are set

to headline the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Labor Day weekend entertainment special –

now called

MDA SHOW of STRENGTH.

The show, featuring more than a dozen of today’s top entertainers, also will include

inspirational “stories of strength” about families affected by muscular dystrophy and related

diseases.

“We couldn’t be more excited about the show and the incredible talent we have lined up

this year,” said MDA Interim President Valerie Cwik, M.D. “MDA is in business to save and

enhance lives. Our show will both entertain and urge the American public to answer the call to

support critically important research and services for more than a million Americans affected by

neuromuscular diseases.”

MDA SHOW of STRENGTH, a three-hour prime-time broadcast special, will air on

Sunday, Sept. 2, 8 p.m. ET, 7 p.m. CT. The show will include performances and celebrity

appearances from Hollywood, Nashville and New York.

In addition to Carrie Underwood, Pitbull, Will.i.am and Carole King, the following stars

also are scheduled to appear: All-American Rejects, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, B.o.B, Brandy,

Luke Bryan, Gavin DeGraw, Hot Chelle Rae, Karmin, Alanis Morissette, OneRepublic, Eva

Simons, Paula Abdul, Max Adler, Jann Carl, Diana DeGarmo, Lou Ferrigno, Benji Madden, Joel

Madden, Jesse McCartney, Tim McGraw, The Miz, Nancy O’Dell, Khloe Kardashian Odom,

Alison Sweeney, Ace Young and more.

The show will be broadcast over MDA’s “Love Network” of almost 150 television

stations across the country and streamed from mda.org. Local cutaways in each market will

feature area families, sponsors and MDA service programs. For a list of stations, visit

mda.org/showofstrength/love-network.

“This year’s show gives everyone involved a unique opportunity,” said MDA SHOW of

STRENGTH Executive Producer RAC Clark. “We have a chance to tell a series of compelling

stories about MDA families while delivering quality entertainment. In doing so, we can raise

public awareness of MDA’s long-standing mission of help for today and hope for tomorrow.”

Clark is a longtime executive producer of the “Academy of Country Music (ACM)

Awards” and the son of the late Dick Clark.

“RAC has a history and knack for making shows and events successful, and MDA

SHOW of STRENGTH will benefit from his talent,” said Pete Fisher, vice president and general

manager of the Grand Ole Opry. “MDA is in good hands with RAC. He’s done a phenomenal

job with the ACM Awards and has helped continue country music’s growth and popularity. He’s

connected with the biggest names in the business.”

Through the years, MDA’s iconic fundraising show has presented some of TV’s most

memorable moments. What started as a 21½-hour Labor Day weekend telethon was shortened to

six hours in 2011 in response to changing television viewing habits.

“The broadcasting and entertainment industries have experienced dramatic change; as a

result, our show has changed with it,” said MDA Executive Vice President of Business

Development Kevin Moran. “But our cause remains the same and our commitment to our

families is unwavering. MDA has assembled an outstanding team focused on putting together a

jammed-packed, three-hour special that drives home our mission and inspires our audience to

contribute generously.”

Joining Clark as co-producers are Los Angeles-based entertainment professionals

Suzanne Bender and Debbie Williams, a popular TV stage director. Some of Bender’s current

credits include the “Golden Globes,” “American Idol,” the “Academy of Country Music

Awards” and “America’s Got Talent.” Williams’ credits also include the “Golden Globes,”

“American Idol,” the “Academy of Country Music Awards,” as well as the “Academy Awards”

and the “MTV Video Music Awards.”

“Suzanne and Debbie are the best in the business. Having worked with them and having

seen their results, I know they’re a tremendous asset to this MDA team,” Clark said. “We’re all

invested in this cause – we’re going to deliver a fabulous show this Labor Day weekend.”

 

Stories of Strength

Six “stories of strength” will be told from the individuals’ and families’ perspectives.

They include MDA’s new National Goodwill Ambassador Bryson Foster, a spunky 12-year-old

who envisions a future as an NFL quarterback; Veronica Nino, a 45-year-old mother of three

who is fighting for one more day with her family after being diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic

lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease); and a teacher affected by spinal muscular atrophy

(SMA) who credits MDA summer camp with giving her the confidence to pursue and achieve

her dreams.

“I live independently, I work and have my own home — all of that is because of MDA,”

said Angela Wrigglesworth during her show profile shoot in Houston.

The complete list of profiles includes: Veronica Nino, 45, of Friendswood, Texas; Angela

Wrigglesworth, 35, of Houston; Kennedy Healy, 17, of Omaha, Neb.; Latondra Chappell, 14, of

Charlotte, N.C.; MDA National Goodwill Ambassador Bryson Foster, 12, of Concord, N.C.; and

Justin Moy, 12, of Concord, Mass.

Learn more about all the MDA SHOW of STRENGTH profile families at

mda.org/showofstrength.

“Of the utmost importance is that our show audience be introduced to the incredible

individuals and families served by the Association,” Cwik said. “Their stories of strength are

what inspire all of us at MDA to seek out and fund the most promising research in muscle

disease, and to improve their daily lives through our services programs and advocacy efforts.”

About MDA

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for

muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association

also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.

In addition to funding some 300 research projects worldwide, MDA maintains a national

network of 200 medical clinics; facilitates hundreds of support groups for families affected by

neuromuscular diseases; and provides local summer camp opportunities for thousands of

youngsters living with progressive muscle diseases.

For more information, visit mda.org and follow us on Facebook

at facebook.com/MDAnational and Twitter @MDAnews.

For information on the rich history of the telethon, visit mda.org/about/telethon-history.

- MDA -

Contact: Roxan Olivas, MDA Vice President – Public Relations, (520) 529-5317,

rolivas@mdausa.org

Allen Fire Fighters Fill the Boot with Donations for MDA

Allen fire fighters will raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association on August 19, 20 and 21 through MDA's Fill the Boot campaign.

Off-duty Allen fire fighters will ask residents and passersby to make contributions for the fight against muscle disease for three days at various intersections throughout the city. Fire fighters will be at the intersections of Bethany Drive and Greenville Avenue and Alma Drive and McDermott Drive from 7 to 9 a.m. on Friday, August 19. Fire fighters will collect again at U.S. Highway 75 and Bethany Drive and U.S. Highway 75 and Stacy Road from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, August 20. Allen fire fighters will collect funds one last time from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, August 21 at U.S. Highway 75 and Bethany Drive and U.S. Highway 75 and Stacy Road.

In 2010, Allen fire fighters raised $12,618, and the department hopes to exceed that amount this year.

Proceeds collected from Fill the Boot aid local children and adults with neuromuscular disease by providing research, clinic visits and Children's Medical Center of Dallas, Texas Neurology, Texoma Neurology Associates and The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, support groups, and a week-long summer camp at Camp John Marc in Meridian for children ages 6 to 17.

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's annual Labor Day Telethon will air locally Sunday, September 4 from 5 p.m. to midnight on TXA21. Up-to-date information about MDA services and research can be found at www.MDA.org.

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

MDA Receives $1,500 CVS Caremark Community Grant

DALLAS, Texas – AUGUST 11, 2011 – The Muscular Dystrophy Association announced today that it has received a $1,500 CVS Caremark Community Grant. MDA’s mission is closely aligned with CVS Caremark All Kids Can, the company’s signature philanthropic program focused on supporting children with disabilities.  The grant from CVS Caremark will help MDA send children to MDA Summer Camp.

Approximately 90 children with neuromuscular disease from across North Texas attend MDA Summer Camp at Camp John Marc in Meridian, Texas each year. Children ages 6 to 17 spend the “best week of the year” among friends where physical disabilities are the rule rather than the exception. This year’s Summer Camp lasted June 19 through June 24, and campers enjoyed power hockey, blow darts, water games, arts & crafts, a ropes challenge course, Camp dances, horseback riding, swimming, talent shows, and more. MDA Summer Camp is free of charge to families thanks to corporations, groups and individuals who raise funds for the Association.

“MDA Summer Camp is the week that our kids think about year-round,” said Jim Brown, MDA Regional Director. “The CVS Caremark Community Grant will help us facilitate many Camp activities.”

“We are committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we live and work and the CVS Caremark Community grants program does just that by supporting organizations that truly make a difference in the lives of children and families,” said Karen Ramos, Senior Manager, Community Relations, CVS Caremark Corporation.  “We are proud to support the work that MDA does in the community and we look forward to working with them in the year ahead.”

MDA was selected to receive a grant through the CVS Caremark Community Grants 2010 grant application process.  Grants were awarded to organizations that share a common vision with CVS Caremark’s All Kids Can program, which strives to make life easier for children with disabilities.  The goal of the All Kids Can program is create more inclusive environments for children with and without disabilities to build self-esteem, lasting friendships and social skills, and to help children without disabilities learn diversity and tolerance.

“CVS Caremark is committed to helping children with disabilities learn, play and succeed in life,” said Dennis Palmer, Senior Vice President, CVS Caremark.  “Through this grant, we are able to help make an impact on the lives of children in the Dallas community.”

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’s annual Labor Day Telethon will be broadcast in the Dallas/Fort Worth area Sunday, September 4 from 5 p.m. to midnight on TXA 21. Up-to-date information about MDA services and research can be found at www.MDA.org.

About CVS Caremark All Kids Can

All Kids Can, a program of the CVS Caremark Charitable Trust and CVS Caremark, is a five-year, $25 million commitment to support children with disabilities. The goals of All Kids Can are to support children with disabilities by raising awareness in schools and in local communities about the importance of inclusion, creating greater opportunities for physical activity and play, and providing access to medical rehabilitation and related services. CVS Caremark and its more than 190,000 employees plan to help children with disabilities learn, play and succeed through partnerships with leading local and national nonprofit organizations such as Easter Seals and many others across the country. For more information, visit http://www.cvsallkidscan.com.

Bid Muscle Disease Farewell During Telethon Online Auction

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is opening its fifth annual Telethon Online Auction August 25 through September 8.

The Telethon Online Auction works in conjunction with MDA's annual Labor Day Telethon, which will be broadcast Sunday, September 4. Items donated to the auction include a basketball signed by J.J. Barea from the National Basketball Association's 2011 Champion Dallas Mavericks, a seven day Holland America Caribbean or Mexican cruise for two, two round trip AirTran tickets, a $5,000 Hearts On Fire diamond necklace and much more. This year's major Telethon Online Auction sponsor is CITGO.

MDA will continue to receive items until the auction ends. To preview or donate auction items, visit www.goMDAauction.com.

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. Up-to-date information about MDA services and research can be found at www.MDA.org.

For more information, please contact Carmen Holmes or Kelsey McGonigle at 972-480-0070.

Firefighters Fill the Boot for MDA During Tax Free Weekend

The Sherman and Denison Firefighter Associations will join forces to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association on August 19 and 20 through MDA's Fill the Boot campaign.

Shoppers taking advantage of tax free weekend will be greeted by firefighters with boots in hand at three Sherman hotspots. Firefighters will fill their boots with donations for MDA at Sherman Town Center the afternoon of August 19 and all day August 20. Firefighters will also be collecting all day on Saturday, August 20 at Sherman's Lowe's Home Improvement and Sherman's Sam's Club.

Working separately in 2010, Denison's fire department raised over $3,500 for MDA, and Sherman's fire department raised $6,400. By combining their efforts during one of the busiest shopping holidays in 2011, the Sherman and Denison Firefighter Associations hope to raise more money for MDA this year than either department ever has before.

Proceeds collected from Fill the Boot aid local children and adults with neuromuscular disease by providing research, clinic visits and Texoma Neurology Associates, support groups and a week-long summer camp at Camp John Marc in Meridian for children ages 6 to 17.

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. Up-to-date information about MDA services and research can be found at www.MDA.org.

MDA Provides "Knowledge to Success" to Young Adults

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is hosting its third annual Knowledge to Success on Saturday, August 20 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Independence Conference Room at Children's Medical Center of Dallas for young adults aged 16 to 25 living with neuromuscular disease.

At this empowerment seminar, the Arlington and Dallas campuses of The University of Texas, Canine Companions for Independence, Dallas Area Rapid Transit Paratransit, and more local colleges and organizations will offer young adults living with neuromuscular disease guidance on how best to gain independence after high school. Breakfast and lunch will be provided courtesy of United Rehab Specialists, and guests will be able to ask questions about attending college and entering the workforce.

"Many young adults with neuromuscular disease end up living at home after high school because of the roadblocks they face finding a job or attending college," said MDA Health Care Services Coordinator Jennifer Garst. "We started the annual Knowledge to Success seminar to give the families we serve a place to go ask questions and learn more about college and working."

Knowledge to Success is open to any young adult aged 16 to 25. Those who wish to attend Knowledge to Success must RSVP by August 17 to MDA Health Care Services at 972-480-0016.

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also has the new Transitions Resource Center focused on the needs, goals and hopes of young people with neuromuscular disease at www.MDA.org/Transitions. MDA's annual Labor Day Telethon will be broadcast in the Dallas/Fort Worth area Sunday, September 4 from 5 p.m. to midnight on TXA 21.

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

Shorter MDA Labor Day Telethon Airs Locally on TXA 21

TXA 21 will broadcast the Muscular Dystrophy Association's annual Labor Day Telethon live from Las Vegas on Sunday, September 4.

The Telethon will begin with a one-hour local special at 5 p.m. on the Metroplex's new Love Network station, TXA 21. The national Telethon will air from 6 p.m. to midnight, a change from MDA's traditional 21 1/2-hour format. CBS 11 News Anchor Karen Borta and CBS 11/TXA 21 Chief Meteorologist Larry Mowry will present information about local MDA services and families every half hour. Representatives from Sonic, Tom Thumb, Albertsons, Kroger, Lowe's Home Improvement, Heartland Jiffy Lube and North Texas fire fighters will answer pledge phones during the evening.

The 2011 national MDA Telethon co-hosts are So You Think You Can Dance's Nigel Lythgoe, Entertainment Tonight's Nancy O'Dell, The Biggest Loser's Alison Sweeney, and Emmy-winning journalist Jann Carl. MDA National Goodwill Ambassador Abbey Umali will also be featured on the show along with country music superstars Darius Rucker, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride and more.

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. Donated funds support MDA's 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, Neurology Associates of Arlington, Cook Children's Medical Center, 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 Anita Stevenson or Kelsey McGonigle at 972-480-0070.

Tom Thumb Mobiles Send Kids to MDA Summer Camp

Tom Thumb and the Muscular Dystrophy Association are teaming up for their annual "Send a Kid to Camp" in-store fundraising campaign August 1 through September 5 to raise funds for MDA Summer Camp.

Tom Thumb customers can purchase "Send a Kid to Camp" mobiles with a contribution of $1 or more to MDA as they check out at any North Texas store. One hundred percent of the donations will go toward sending children with neuromuscular disease to MDA Summer Camp.

Approximately 90 children with neuromuscular disease from across North Texas attend MDA Summer Camp at Camp John Marc in Meridian, Texas each year. Children ages 6 to 17 spend the "best week of the year" among friends where physical disabilities are the rule rather than the exception. This year's Summer Camp lasted June 19 through June 24, and campers enjoyed power hockey, blow darts, water games, arts & crafts, a ropes challenge course, Camp dances, horseback riding, swimming, talent shows, and more. MDA Summer Camp is free of charge to families thanks to corporations, groups and individuals who raise funds for the Association.

"Tom Thumb is proud to join forces with customers and associates to help send children to Summer Camp," said Tom Thumb Director of Public Affairs Connie Yates. "It means so much for us to be involved with the Muscular Dystrophy Association."

Tom Thumb has a long tradition of assisting the Muscular Dystrophy Association with Camp and other signature MDA events. Each year at Camp, Tom Thumb presents a cooking class for campers. In addition, the grocer coordinates a group of employees to volunteer at the annual MDA Labor Day Telethon and donates gift cards for the Telethon Online Auction. During the Telethon, Tom Thumb presents a check from the "Send a Kid to Camp" fundraising campaign.

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's annual Labor Day Telethon will be broadcast in the Dallas/Fort Worth area Sunday, September 4 from 5 p.m. to midnight on TXA 21. Up-to-date information about MDA services and research can be found at www.MDA.org.

For more information, please contact Jim Brown or Kelsey McGonigle at 972-480-0070.

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.

Murphy Fire Fighters Fill the Boot for MDA

Murphy fire fighters will hit the streets Thursday, June 23 through Saturday, June 25 to collect donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association through the Fill the Boot campaign.


Fire fighters will be boot-handling at the intersections of Murphy and Betsy and Highway 544 and Hawthorn. In 2009, the Murphy fire fighters raised $5,600, and their goal this year is to raise over $6,000.


MDA is the nonprofit health 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. In Texas and Oklahoma, Fill the Boot contributions go to MDA's four camps, over 20 support groups and clinics, and more than $1 million in research grants to state hospitals and universities, including Southwestern Medical Center. Up-to-date information about MDA services and research can be found at www.MDA.org.


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

Paris Fire Fighters Raise Money for MDA

The Paris Fire Department will battle muscle disease by raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association through the Fill the Boot campaign June 30 through July 2. In 2010, Texas fire fighters raised over $4 million for MDA, and the Paris Fire Department wants to help increase the amount contributed for 2011.


The campaign will consist of Paris fire fighters removing their boots and collecting donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association for three days at Wal-Mart and Towne Center. Members of the fire department will also be passing their boots around at the Paris Firework Show on July 2.


"Fire fighters make a difference that has impacted families served by MDA throughout the years," said MDA Chairman & CEO Gerald Weinberg. "They are truly inspiring, selfless individuals."


MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. Fill the Boot  funds support MDA's services locally and nationally, including medical clinics like Texoma Neurology Associates in Sherman and MDA Summer Camps like our North Texas camp in Meridian. Up-to-date information about MDA services and research can be found at www.MDA.org.


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

Anna Fire Fighters Fill the Boot for MDA for the First Time Ever

ANNA, Texas – JUNE 13, 2011 – The Anna Fire Department will team up with the Muscular Dystrophy Association every day between June 18 and July 9 for MDA's Fill the Boot campaign.

For the first time ever in Anna, fire fighters will fill their boots with donations from Anna residents at the intersection of FM 455 and Highway 5 every weekday morning and throughout the day on weekends. Though this is the first year Anna has participated in Fill the Boot, the fire department hopes that collecting every day will significantly increase funds for MDA.

"Fire fighters make a difference that has impacted families served by MDA throughout the years," said MDA Chairman and CEO Gerald Weinberg. "They are truly inspiring, selfless individuals."

Fill the Boot funds support MDA's services locally and nationally, including medical clinics staffed with specialists in neuromuscular disease and special summer camps for kids. Up-to-date information about MDA services and research can be found at www.mda.org.

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. The first nonprofit organization to be awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Medical Association "for significant and lasting contributions to the health and welfare of humanity," MDA's programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors. MDA maintains a network of 200 hospital-affiliated clinics to serve families living with any of the 43 neuromuscular diseases. An MDA clinic is located at Texoma Neurology Associates in Sherman.

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

Fate Firefighters Fill the Boot to Fight Muscle Disease

Fate Fire Rescue will be raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association through the Fill the Boot campaign this Saturday, June 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the intersections of FM 551 and Fate Main and SH 66 and FM 549.

Fate Fire Rescue’s slogan is “Our community, Our citizens, Our department,” so it comes as no surprise that the volunteers who make up the majority this fire rescue team have a lot of pride in their hometown. Fate residents will have the opportunity to pay homage to their hometown heroes by helping the firefighters fill their boots with donations to MDA.

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

Motorcycle Enthusiasts Donate to MDA to Vote for Favorite Biker Band

Harley-Davidson of North Texas is hosting its fourth annual Battle of the Biker Bands this Saturday, June 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. An estimated 2000 motorcycle enthusiasts will be coming out to see five bands playing throughout the day.

The event is free and open to the public, but in order to vote for your favorite band, you must donate $1 to MDA for every ticket used to vote. The band that receives the most tickets wins the battle! If you purchase tickets in advance, you will receive a 2011 commemorative Harley-Davidson MDA pin, ten voter tickets, a raffle ticket to win up to ten prizes, and you will not have to wait in line for beverages. Advance tickets are $10 each or $15 for a pair. One hundred percent of the proceeds from this event go to MDA.

Along with great music, guests can enjoy free burgers, free beer, free Hooters wings served by Hooters girls, guitars from Guitar Center to play on site, and the chance to ride a Harley with no experience required.

For more information, please contact Stephanie Sunker of Harley-Davidson of North Texas at 972-245-1492.

Duncanville Fire Department Gives Muscle Disease The Boot

The Duncanville Fire Department is launching its annual Fill the Boot campaign to collect money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Firefighters will be at the intersections of I-67 and Cockrell Hill, Wheatland and Cedar Ridge, and Camp Wisdom and Cedar Ridge in the early mornings and early evenings of June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11.

Last year, the department raised nearly $3,000 for MDA, and they are hoping to exceed that amount this year. Funds raised from Fill the Boot go to providing the very best in patient care and services for those affected by neuromuscular diseases.

For more information, please contact MDA representatives Katie Shields at 972-480-0011 or Kelsey McGonigle at 972-480-0070.

Leah's 7th Annual Backyard Carnival

Thirteen-year-old Leah Prager will host her annual Backyard Carnival this Sunday, June 5, from 2 to 5 p.m. at 6632 Crestland Avenue in Dallas. The money raised at her carnival will be donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Jewish Family Services Dallas Food Pantry.

Admission to the carnival is a donation. From there, guests can enjoy game booths, food stations, a bounce house, a silent auction, a neighborhood train, karaoke, a fire truck from Dallas Fire-Rescue, clowns from Merry Maker Clowns and a magician.

Leah's last carnival netted nearly $19,000, and this year, Leah is expecting to reach $100,000 contributed for the seven events. Additionally, Leah's bat mitzvah is the day before her carnival, so this year's event promises to be extra special.

Leah got the idea for her carnival from her mother, Erica Prager, who put on carnivals of her own as a child growing up in Longview. Backyard carnivals were signature events for MDA in the 1960s and 70s, and since then, the carnival concept has been updated to teach children that "It's Cool to Care."

For additional information, please contact MDA representatives Kelsey McGonigle or Anita Stevenson at 972-480-0070.