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Muscular Dystrophy Association Launches 37th Annual #MDAShamrocks Campaign

More than 20,000 businesses across the country join forces for annual St. Patrick's Day-themed program to raise funds for muscular dystrophy, ALS and related neuromuscular diseases

NEW YORK, Feb. 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) today announced that its 37th annual #MDAShamrocks campaign is underway, the nation's largest St. Patrick's fundraising program, with 20,000 generous retail partners participating nationwide. The campaign aims to raise critical funds to help MDA transform the lives of kids and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related life-threatening neuromuscular diseases, by funding scientific research and support services such as more than 150 multidisciplinary care centers at major hospitals nationwide, and the ability to send children ages 8 to 17 to MDA summer camps across the country at no cost to their families.

Retailers and select locations including CITGO Petroleum Corp. and its Marketers, Albertsons Companies, Bojangles', Burger King, Price Chopper, O'Charley's, Kroger, Shaw's Supermarket and Star Market, KFC and more, invite customers to participate by adding an iconic paper Shamrock (pinup) to their purchase at checkout for a $1, $5 or a larger contribution of their choosing through the end of March. Each Shamrock is signed by the customer and displayed in each location, demonstrating strength within each community to support MDA.

"MDA Shamrocks is a simple way for consumers to give strength and transform the lives of people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related neuromuscular diseases," said MDA President and Chief Executive Officer, Lynn O'Connor Vos. "We are thankful for our gracious retail partners across the country who open their doors each year to help advance MDA's mission of funding over 150 care centers, research to accelerate treatments and cures, and the chance for children to attend our summer camp programs at no cost to families."

In addition to selling MDA Shamrocks in-store, and through our online campaign, corporate partners can participate in "Green Day for MDA," which takes place on Friday, March 15. "Green Day for MDA" was created to bring a new avenue to the iconic Shamrocks campaign for organizations, companies and individuals who don't have access to traditional retail locations to participate in pinup campaigns. On this day, participants wear green to raise awareness and host other unique fundraising events to support the MDA community.

Recent major medical and scientific advancements including the development of four new drugs that are now available treatment options, with more to come on the horizon, make today the most promising time in the history of neuromuscular disease research and care. All of this is made possible in part by the funds raised and support given over the years to the MDA Shamrocks program.

The program has raised more than $323 million since its inception through efforts of partners, employees and supporters, to help save and improve the lives of families with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related neuromuscular diseases.

To learn more about the 2019 MDA Shamrock program, find select locations of partners or sign up for Green Day for MDA, please visit mda.org/shamrocks or create a #MDAShamrocks Facebook fundraiser to show your support. 

About the Muscular Dystrophy Association

MDA is committed to transforming the lives of people affected by muscular dystrophy, ALS and related neuromuscular diseases. We do this through innovations in science and innovations in care. As the largest source of funding for neuromuscular disease research outside of the federal government, MDA has committed more than $1 billion since our inception to accelerate the discovery of therapies and cures. Research we have supported is directly linked to life-changing therapies across multiple neuromuscular diseases. MDA's MOVR is the first and only data hub that aggregates clinical, genetic and patient-reported data for multiple neuromuscular diseases to improve health outcomes and accelerate drug development. MDA supports the largest network of multidisciplinary clinics providing best-in-class care at more than 150 of the nation's top medical institutions. Our Resource Center serves the community with one-on-one specialized support, and we offer educational conferences, events and materials for families and health care providers. Each year thousands of children and young adults learn vital life skills and gain independence at MDA Summer Camp and through recreational programs, at no cost to families. For more information, visit mda.org.

SOURCE: Muscular Dystrophy Association