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Muscular Dystrophy Association and Magic Wheelchair Team Up with IAFF Dallas Fire Fighters Association Local 58 & Dallas Fire-Rescue for Micah’s Godzilla Dream Wheelchair Costume Reveal on Monday, June 9 at 11:00am CT

Epic wheelchair costume reveal celebrates MDA’s 75th anniversary and IAFF’s historic partnership.

WHEN: Monday, June 9, 2025

• Press call time: 10:45am CT for interview opportunities
• Event time: 11:00am – 12:30pm CT

WHERE: Dallas Fire Station 17, 6045 Belmont Ave, Dallas, TX 75206

WHAT/WHO:
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), Magic Wheelchair, and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Dallas Fire Fighters Association Local 58 will host the reveal of Micah’s Godzilla-themed dream wheelchair costume at Dallas Fire Station 17 on Monday, June 9 at 11:00am CT. We’re also celebrating Micah’s 5th birthday.

Micah, who lives with LAMA2-related muscular dystrophy, was selected as the winner of the 2025 MDA x Magic Wheelchair Instagram Sweepstakes for a dream costume creation. The costume, built by Magic Wheelchair and led by master builder Stefan Price, was designed based on Micah’s imagination, including custom features and hidden “easter eggs” celebrating his personality, MDA’s 75th Anniversary, and over 70+ years of partnership with the International Association of Fire Fighters through the Fill the Boot fundraising campaign, which has raised over $700 million and led to breakthroughs in life-saving treatments.

LAMA2-related muscular dystrophy (LAMA2-RD) is a rare genetic muscle disease that affects movement and strength, especially in the face, neck, and upper body, and can also impact breathing and the nervous system. It ranges in severity from a more serious form that starts at birth (often called MDC1A) to a milder form that appears later in childhood or adulthood (called LGMDR23). It’s estimated to affect about 8 out of every million people born worldwide. Read more in MDA’s Quest Media story here.

Micah has attended MDA Care Centers and participated in virtual MDA Summer Camp, made possible through funding from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and other supporters, including CITGO Petroleum Corporation and National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC). The reveal will honor Micah and his family, parents Jacob and Soumya, and brother Elijah, and highlight the power of collaboration in the disability and fire fighter communities.

MDA funds 13 multidisciplinary care centers across Texas supporting over 20,000 people living with neuromuscular disease with over 6,080 clinic visits each year. MDA’s funding of research has led to over 25 new FDA approved treatments in the last two decades alone.

WHO:

• Micah, 2025 MDA x Magic Wheelchair dream costume recipient
• MDA family members: Jacob & Soumya, Micah’s parents
• Jennie King, Vice President, Fire Fighter Partnerships, MDA
• Christine Getman, Executive Director, Magic Wheelchair
• Scottie Foertmeyer, Director of Outreach, Magic Wheelchair
• Stefan Price, Lead Builder, Magic Wheelchair
• Jeff Patterson, Lieutenant, Dallas Fire-Rescue; President, IAFF Local 58
• Chief Justin Ball, Fire Chief, Dallas Fire-Rescue
• Roger Lopez, MDA/IAFF National Coordinator
• Community partners include IAFF, CITGO, NALC, Acosta, Dial Lubricants, Greystar, Tom Thumb, and Womack

VISUAL/B-ROLL OPPORTUNITIES:

• On-camera interviews with Micah and his family, IAFF, MDA, and Magic Wheelchair leadership
• Remarks from fire fighters and community leaders
• The dramatic reveal of Micah’s Godzilla-themed wheelchair costume
• Photos with Dallas Fire Fighters, MDA and Magic Wheelchair staff, and family
• Adaptive costume features explained by Stefan Price
• Celebration of MDA’s 75th Anniversary and IAFF’s Fill the Boot legacy

Media contact press@mdausa.org.

About Magic Wheelchair

Magic Wheelchair is a nonprofit organization that builds epic costumes for kids and young adults in wheelchairs – at no cost to families. Our mission is to bring communities together to promote inclusion and self-expression for people with disabilities by transforming their wheelchairs into magic. To date, Magic Wheelchair has served nearly 300 families by supporting builders, makers, and students nationwide to create unforgettable moments and epic inclusion. Learn more or get involved, at magicwheelchair.org.

About IAFF Local 58 – Dallas Fire Fighters Association

One of the nation’s top fundraisers for MDA through the Fill the Boot campaign, the DFFA represents its members before Fire Administration, the City Manager’s Office, the Mayor and City Council, as well as at the State Legislature and before Congressional Representatives and Senators. Our affiliation with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) gives us input at the national level. As a unified organization of fire fighters, we can exert greater influence on our political representatives and afford greater protection for our members.

About Muscular Dystrophy Association

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is the #1 voluntary health organization in the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 other neuromuscular conditions. For 75 years, MDA has led the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating support and inclusion of families living with neuromuscular disease. MDA's mission is to empower the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives. To learn more visit mda.org and follow MDA on Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube

About Muscular Dystrophy Association’s 75^th Anniversary

In 2025, the Muscular Dystrophy Association proudly marks 75 years legacy, impact and momentum in the fight against neuromuscular diseases. Since our founding, MDA has been at the forefront of research breakthroughs, providing access to comprehensive care, and championing the rights of people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 other neuromuscular diseases. This milestone has been made possible by generations of dedicated support from people living with neuromuscular disease, their families, researchers, clinicians, volunteers, and donors—who boldly drive our mission forward. As we look ahead, we remain committed to honoring this legacy, building on the impact we’ve made together, and continuing our momentum toward transformative progress for people living with neuromuscular disorders. Learn more at MDA75.org.