First Responders Raise A Boot To End Muscular Dystrophy

MIAMI, FL — First responders around the Miami area are raising their boots on Labor Day weekend to help end Muscular Dystrophy. The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) and the Metro-Dade Firefighters International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 1403 joined forces to kick off the annual Labor Day Fill the Boot Drive. Firefighters From Miami Fire Rescue were on hand at Marlins Park Saturday night as the Fish beat the Phillies 10-9.

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“Every coin and every dollar placed in our firefighter’s boot for MDA will help families living with muscular dystrophy and related conditions to get the help they need,” explained Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chief Dave Downey. “I urge the community to participate by filling the boot and helping our firefighters help those in need through MDA.”

"We are more inspired than ever to continue to honor our commitment and partnership with MDA," added Omar Blanco, President IAFF Local 1403. "As firefighters, it gives us great pride to know that we can serve our communities in more ways other than in times of emergencies. With one goal in mind, we unite and will not stop collecting until a cure is found."

Firefighters will be collecting donations for the MDA at all major intersections this Labor Day weekend starting on Friday, Sept. 1 through Monday, Sept. 4. Funds collected over the weekend will go toward research and family support counseling as well as to help purchase wheelchairs and communication devices. It will also give children with neuromuscular diseases the chance to attend MDA summer camp.

The MDA is a volunteer health agency working to defeat neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far-reaching professional and public health education.
To donate, text BOOT13 to 71777 or click here.

Photo courtesy of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue