Firefighter Tim Doane Goes Above and Beyond

Marblehead veteran firefighter Tim Doane goes above and beyond the call in enthusiasm and results helping the MDA fight muscle disease.

For this reason the Muscular Dystrophy Association recently named him the Above and Beyond Award winner for the entire state of Massachusetts.

The firefighter has personally raised about $25,000 with his 5th annual Cooking for a Cure event. Cooking for a Cure raises money by serving food prepared by firefighters from area departments.

Last year, with Doane's help, the Marblehead Fire Department raised $16,604, placing them 8th in the entire state of Massachusetts (behind cities such as Boston, Fall River, New Bedford and Cambridge).

Marblehead firefighter Jeff Martin said Doane's dedication and hard work reflects his character.

"Timmy is as humble as they come and seeks no recognition for the money raised or the award he has earned," Martin said. "He simply does it because it's what he stands for and who he is, not only as a firefighter but as a person as well; helping people who need help."

On April 28, the MDA along with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) held their annual "Fill the Boot - Boot Camp" convention at Mohegan Sun.

There the group planned future boot drives and events and talked about what the MDA does year in and year out, above and beyond raising money for families and children with the disease.

Martin said state union representatives spoke on behalf of each New
England state on the importance of the money raised and families
affected.

The MDA is the leading nonprofit health organization sponsoring research seeking the causes of and effective treatments for neuromuscular diseases.

MDA research grants currently are supporting more than 250 projects worldwide.