The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
GIVING THE BOOT
Firefighters raise thousands to help MDA
ONEIDA, N.Y. » The Oneida Fire Department tackled possibly its toughest opponents Satur- day along Oneida Plaza Drive, Muscular Dystrophy.
As part of that endeavor, members of the OFD invited members of the public to “Fill the Boot” in efforts to raise $5,000 for the Muscular Dys- trophy Association.
For the past 10 years, the OFD has joined other departments across the country in an effort to raise funds to fight the lifealtering disease.
On Saturday, as the OFD col- lected donations from a stream of shoppers, they were joined by Natalie, Frank, and Kenny Frost, of Sauquoit. Kenny, age 11, was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy - one
of 40 different types of neuro-muscular disorders identified as muscular dystrophy - before the age of two.
Duchenne is associated with weakened leg muscles and pelvic area, in addition to an overall loss of muscle, according to the National Institutes for Health, a federally administered health database. Mostly affecting boys, Duchenne typically necessitates the use of leg braces or wheelchairs to improve mobility and may lead to a shortened life span.
“We keep hoping [for a cure],” Natalie said. “This gives us hope.”
Since Kenny has been diagnosed, Natalie says one of the greatest challenges is finding accessible buildings and inclusive activities the Sauquoit youngster. An upcoming school field trip to Howe Cavern’s is just one such event that MD prevents her son from attending.
One of the greatest joys the Frost family experienced since Kenny’s diagnosis has been meeting “groups of people that love Kenny and genuinely want to be with him.”
“That’s why we come,” Natalie said. “The OFD actually requests Kenny, especially Tim. He goes out of his way.”
The department’s affection for Kenny was apparent on Saturday, as members of the OFD stopped in and out of the Frost tent while on brief breaks, chatting with the 11-yearold, asking him how his day was going or what he was up to.
When two firefighters were called away briefly over their radios, Kenny wanted to know where they went and when they were coming back.
“He loves firemen,” Natalie said.
In addition to spending the day with firefighters, Kenny is looking forward to an upcoming week of MDA camp in Rush, just south of Rochester. Each child at the camp receives their own personal counselor as they embark on a week of fishing, swimming, zip-lining, and other inclusive activities.
“He tells us to leave when we drop him off,” Natalie said with a smile. “And he doesn’t want us to pick him up.”
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), of which the OFD is a member, is the largest national sponsor of the MDA.
The relationship between the IAFF and the MDA formed in 1954when a California department was moved by the story of a local, young child who had muscular dystrophy. The department developed a plan to raise money for the child by filling a boot with donations from community members to support the struggle against the disease.
The relationship between the IAFF and the MDA formed in 1954 when a California department was moved by the story of a local, young child who had muscular dystrophy. The department developed a plan to raise money for the child by filling a boot with donations from community members to support the struggle against the disease.
All the money raised by the OFD goes directly to the MDA, and Cowan said donations can be made throughout the year in addition to the “Fill the Boot.” Those interested in making donations can contact the Fire Marshall’s desk.
Since 1954, IAFF members have donated nearly $275 million to the MDA.