NH IAFF Fire Fighters, MDA Finish Strong

More than 75 cyclist raised $130,000 during the 28th Annual Trans NH Bike Ride on June 26-28 to help save and improve the lives of people fighting muscle disease in New Hampshire, according to a press statement. Muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other related life-threatening diseases take away people’s ability to walk, move, smile, talk and even breathe.

The Trans-NH bike ride has a rich history that began in 1988, it was started by a group of Salem NH (Local 2892) Fire fighters two of whom are still heavily involved, retired Lt. Ron Gale and retired Captain Kevin Campbell. Without the support of Ron and Kevin and The Professional Fire Fighters of NH this ride would not be the success it is.

“For six decades, fire fighters have fueled MDA’s mission to find treatments and cures for life-threatening muscle diseases, and this year’s Trans NH Bike Ride results are a perfect example of the true dedication the Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire has toward supporting the families we serve,” said Terri DeCarli, Executive Director of the Muscular Dystrophy Association of NH. “We’re grateful for the support of these inspiring, selfless individuals who provide life-saving help that will fund research, advocate for children and adults affected by muscle disease, and rally our community to fight back.”

Funds raised through the 2015 Trans NH Bike Ride build on decades of research progress, helping push science to its limits in the search for treatments and cures.

Dollars raised also help support MDA’s life-enhancing programs such as state-of-the-art support groups and clinics, including the MDA Clinic at Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinic in both Lebanon and Manchester. They also make MDA summer camp possible so kids with muscle disease can enjoy “the best week of the year” at Camp Agassiz in Poland, Maine and nearly 80 other locations nationwide.

As the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s largest national sponsor, the IAFF fuels MDA’s mission to find treatments and cures for life-threatening muscle diseases. In addition to Fill the Boot events, contributions from charity baseball games and other local events hosted/sponsored by the IAFF help support MDA’s efforts to raise awareness and provide professional and public education about neuromuscular diseases.

IAFF support for MDA began in 1954 when the organization committed by proclamation to support MDA until a cure is found, and the organization’s unwavering commitment to MDA has remained strong to this day. The IAFF raised $100,000 for MDA in 1955, and $1 million in 1970, and fire fighters continue to raise the bar in their fundraising efforts. In 2013, more than 100,000 fire fighters participated in Fill the Boot events across the country and raised $26.2 million. To date the IAFF has raised $558 million for MDA.