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Health & Fitness

House Passes DiZoglio Bill Assisting Fire Fighters' Fundraising Efforts for Muscular Dystrophy Association

The Massachusetts House of Representatives has passed legislation, sponsored by State Representative Diana DiZoglio (D-Methuen), that assists fire fighters' efforts to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
 

Fire fighters are the MDA’s largest national sponsor and one of their most historic supporters of efforts to assist those suffering with neuromuscular disease. During the month of August, through Labor Day, fire fighters across the Commonwealth will be joining together to raise money for the cause.

“Every day, our fire fighters in the Merrimack Valley and across the Commonwealth dedicate themselves to helping people in peril,” said DiZoglio, who represents communities in North Andover, Methuen, Lawrence and Haverhill. “Their work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association marks another selfless act. With the passage of this legislation, our fire fighters will be able to 'fill the boot' as they raise money in this immensely important effort that demonstrates the true meaning of community involvement and public service.”

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"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 Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts (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.

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“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.”

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.

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