Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Firefighters to ‘Fill the Boot’ for MDA


Sallisaw firefighters, said Steve Padgett, Sallisaw Assistant Fire Chief, will be collecting donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) over the next two Fridays.

Sallisaw firefighters will be at the corner of Kerr and Ruth Street from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday and again from 5 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 26 to “Fill the Boot” with donations for MDA. They join firefighters from throughout the county and from throughout the nation raising funds to find a cure for muscular dystrophy and related diseases.

Padgett said donors should “Look for the fire truck” that will be parked at McDonalds for the public to see. Firefighters will hang banners and have lights flashing to draw attention to the cause. Most of the money raised is returned to the area to assist muscular dystrophy patients, Padgett said.

“People are really supportive of this cause,” Padgett said.

Kim Netz of Sallisaw, who lost her son to muscular dystrophy in 2014 (see related story), said the MDA was helpful throughout his illness. 

She said the MDA provides a summer camp for MDA patients at no cost, has support groups, and even provides equipment when needed. Netz said her son Matthew outgrew his wheelchair when young, but a new wheelchair had not yet arrived. A call to the MDA office in Oklahoma City solved the problem, and Matthew soon had the right-sized wheelchair.

“I hope more people take advantage of the MDA, because they have the answers,” Netz said. “And if they don’t have the answers they will find those who do. They are positive people.”

Matthew Netz suffered from Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. It is one of nine types of muscular dystrophy.

The MDA Oklahoma City office may be contacted at 405-722-8001 and the MDA Tulsa office is at 918-749-7997.


Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com

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