SHAMROCKS DO BATTLE AGAINST MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
TUCSON, Ariz., March 6, 2007 —
From now until St. Patrick’s Day,
millions of Americans will be joining
the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s
battle against neuromuscular diseases.
Through March 17, thousands of business
patrons nationwide are assisting MDA’s
lifesaving mission by purchasing and
signing $1 and $5 Shamrocks mobiles.
To make MDA’s Shamrocks Against
Dystrophy campaign a success, supermarkets,
convenience stores, restaurants and
other businesses are decorating their
ceilings, walls and windows with layers
of green and gold Shamrocks mobiles.
Internationally renowned singer Maureen
McGovern, a member of MDA’s Board
of Directors and a popular performer
on concert and club stages and the Jerry
Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon, is serving
her seventh year as Shamrocks chairperson.
She’s featured in print and broadcast
public service announcements, reminding
people to buy Shamrocks and support
MDA’s quest for better treatments
and cures.
“Thanks to the tireless efforts
of volunteers, participating businesses
and sponsors nationwide, the Shamrocks
Against Dystrophy program continues
to offer help and hope to families served
by MDA,” said McGovern, whose
niece is affected by one of the muscle-wasting
disorders covered by the Association.
“We’re creating a future
of hope, and we’re doing it one
Shamrock at a time. Shamrocks Against
Dystrophy is the perfect way for people
to share the green, and show their generosity
and compassion for ‘Jerry’s
kids.’ Americans in every community
can support MDA’s quest for cures
and contribute to colorful displays
of Shamrocks at local businesses.”
MDA’s Shamrocks program is in
its 24th year.
Shamrocks Against Dystrophy, the nation’s
largest charitable campaign associated
with St. Patrick’s Day, raised
more than $13 million in 2006 to support
MDA’s programs of worldwide research,
life-enhancing services and vital education.
MDA funds nearly 400 research projects,
maintains 225 hospital-affiliated MDA
clinics, offers summer camps for youngsters
with neuromuscular diseases, and assists
with purchase of wheelchairs, leg braces
and communication devices.
MDA is a voluntary health agency working
to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular
diseases. The Association’s programs
are funded almost entirely by individual
private contributors.
To learn more about MDA or the Shamrocks
program, call (800) 572-1717 or visit
www.mda.org.
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