Fill the Boot to fight muscular dystrophy

WALLACE — Shoshone County Fire District No. 1 is showing its support for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, as its members kick off the annual “Fill the Boot” fundraising campaign to help kids and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases, live longer and grow stronger.

Continuing a more than 60-year tradition, dedicated firefighters from SCFD No. 1 will hit the streets or storefronts with boots in hand asking pedestrians, motorists, customers and other passersby to make a donation to MDA on Saturday, Aug. 18 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the intersections of Fifth and Bank and Sixth and Cedar in Wallace.

“We are thrilled to be working with the Shoshone County Fire District No. 1 for another year of Fill the Boot to help provide the funds needed to find treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases that severely limit strength and mobility,” Development Specialist Tori Ripple said. “The dedication of these firefighters to MDA’s mission is unwavering, spending countless hours both with Fill the Boot and MDA Summer Camp to care for the kids and adults in Shoshone County. We know that their devotion to our families will make this year’s drive a success.”

Funds raised through SCFD No. 1’s Fill the Boot event in 2017 empowered families who inspire everyday Americans to help kids and adults with muscular dystrophy and related muscle-debilitating diseases live longer and grow stronger, displaying how we all can truly live unlimited no matter what limits we may face.

Contributions also help fund groundbreaking research and life-enhancing programs such as state-of-the-art support groups and Care Centers, including the MDA Care Center at St. Luke’s Rehabilitation in Spokane. They also help send local kids to “the best week of the year” at MDA summer camp — all at no cost to their families.

In addition to Fill the Boot drives, firefighter contributions from year-round local events help support MDA’s efforts to raise awareness and provide professional and public education about neuromuscular diseases.

SCFD No. 1 firefighter John Miller expressed how proud he and the rest of the district is to continue the more than 60-year-old tradition.

“We are excited to help the cause and to be a part of over the 1,000 firefighters across the country volunteering to achieve the goal.”

MDA is leading the fight to free individuals — and the families who love them — from the harm of muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases that take away physical strength, independence and life. They use their collective strength to help kids and adults live longer and grow stronger by finding research breakthroughs across diseases; caring for individuals from day one; and empowering families with services and support in hometowns across America.

For more information, visit mda.org.