DiZoglio Stands with Fire Fighters in MDA Fundraising Effort

(BOSTON) – During the month of August, through Labor Day, fire fighters across the Commonwealth are joining together to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

This summer’s fundraising comes on the heels of new legislation, House Bill 2295, sponsored by State Representative Diana DiZoglio (D-Methuen), which would protect the right of fire fighters to wear their uniforms while making solicitations for this worthy cause. The bill has been reported out favorably by the Joint Committee on Public Service and now sits on the House Committee on Bills in the Third Reading.

"Firefighters have been in the fight to cure Muscular Dystrophy for over 60 years and by partnering with the people in our communities, we have raised hundreds of millions of dollars for research and direct support to those in a personal fight,” said Edward A. Kelly, president of the PFFM. “Our efforts have been hampered in recent years by legislation which indirectly stymied our efforts. That's where Representative Diana DiZoglio took up the fight. Through her passionate leadership, she swiftly sponsored legislation to enable firefighters throughout the Commonwealth to be back on the streets 'Filling the Boot' for MDA. Diana has proven in her short time in the Legislature that she has what it takes to lead and effect positive change for the people of Massachusetts. We are lucky to have Diana advocating for firefighters on Beacon Hill."

The MDA, which is based in Tucson, Arizona, is the world’s leading nonprofit health agency dedicated to researching treatments and cures for more than 40 neuromuscular diseases. It provides support and health care services to families across the globe and brings together communities from all walks of life for advocacy and fundraising.

“The Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts (PFFM) are proud of our commitment to stand with the MDA in the fight against muscle disease,” said Kathleen Tighe, Boston area director for the MDA. “Since the tradition began in 1952 with Local 718 member George Graney answering the call of a neighbor in need in South Boston, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has contributed more than $450 million to MDA. These funds have supported MDA’s portfolio of health care services, clinic visits, summer camps and research for over one million Americans who live with muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular diseases.”

The PFFM has long dedicated itself to saving lives, both in their roles as fire fighters and as campaigners for the efforts of the MDA to assist those suffering with neuromuscular diseases. Thanks to the generous support of Massachusetts residents, PFFM members last year raised over $818,000 in funds to benefit the families served by MDA in Massachusetts. Fire fighters are MDA’s largest national sponsor, and one of their most historic supporters.

Fire fighters in Massachusetts have helped to fund breakthroughs such the discovery of the gene for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at Boston Children’s Hospital, a treatment for Pompe Disease, and numerous advances toward understanding the causes of and possible treatments for ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease, in addition to sponsoring local children’s attendance at a week-long, fully-adaptive MDA Summer Camp each July.

“Every day, our fire fighters across the Commonwealth devote themselves to helping people in peril,” said DiZoglio. “Their initiative to assist the Muscular Dystrophy Association is yet another selfless act. It is so great to see our local fire fighters out there raising money for such an important effort, demonstrating the true meaning of community involvement and public service."