Goshen firefighters support MDA with boot drive

WEST CHESTER >> The Goshen Fire Department Professional Firefighters Association Local 4752 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 fire fighters from Goshen Fire Department/Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 4752 will hit the streets with boots in hand asking pedestrians, motorists, and other passersby to make a donation to MDA on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the intersection of West Chester Pike and Five Points Road in West Chester. A local family affected by neuromuscular disease will be stopping by to greet the fire fighters and supporters.

“We are thrilled to be working with the Goshen Fire Department/Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 4752 for their first 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,” said Executive Director Amanda Sweet. “The dedication of these fire fighters to MDA’s mission is unwavering, spending countless hours with Fill the Boot to care for the kids and adults in Chester County, Pa. We know that their devotion to our families will make this year’s drive a success.”

Funds raised through the Goshen Fill the Boot event in 2018 will empower 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 everyone can truly live unlimited no matter what limits they may face.

Contributions also help fund groundbreaking research and life-enhancing programs such as state-ofthe-art support groups and Care Centers, including the MDA Care Centers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Temple University Hospital and the Hospital of University of Penn. They also help send more than 55 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, fire fighter contributions from year-round local events include bowling events and cross-fit competitions to help support MDA’s efforts to raise awareness and provide professional and public education about neuromuscular diseases.