Firefighters in the multiple Texas County departments will be taking their boots to the streets between now and Labor Day continuing their support in the fight against muscular dystrophy and ALS.
Fill the Boot began in 1954 in Boston and has grown into the greatest fundraiser in the history of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Firefighters with the City of Houston and Roby departments are confirmed to be participating.
Houston firefighters will collect at area intersections Labor Day weekend for the first time in history. Chief Joey Moore is hoping to make a difference this first year.
“MDA is thrilled to have the support of the Houston Fire Department in 2015,” said Jerry Bear, executive director of MDA. “Houston is a great community, and I have enjoyed getting to know the firefighters and seeing them at the kick-off events in St. Louis and Springfield. What a welcome addition.”
Fill the Boot will help maintain the association’s hospital-affiliated clinic at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, which offers diagnostic and follow-up care for people with neuromuscular disorders. MDA clinic services include physical, occupational and respiratory therapy evaluations; assistance for repair of leg braces and wheelchairs and flu vaccinations; MDA offers support groups, youngsters 6-17 with neuromuscular diseases spend a fun-filled week at MDA summer camp and treatments and cures are sought daily through an aggressive world-wide research program. All MDA services are free.
“Fill the Boot combines one of the most respected organizations in the country with the most generous people in the world and continues to amaze us every year with the results,” Bear said. “The firefighters work hard to organize Fill the Boot to make it successful and safe.”
Moore said Houston firefighters will be at two locations from 1-6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4: outside the main entrance doors at Walmart, and at U.S. 63 and Holder Street, near Walmart.
In the U.S., more than a million people are affected by the 43 neuromuscular diseases that MDA covers. That includes ALS, where MDA has invested $325 million in research and services since 1954.
Fill the Boot has easily recognizable posters and banners and everyone donating will receive a sticker to put on the dashboard of their car. The sticker also contains information on fire safety. The firefighters were recently honored before a St. Louis and Springfield Cardinals game for their long-time efforts for MDA.