On September 18 to 19 Ballard Fire Fighters held signs and carried boots for donations from citizens as part of the 2014 Fill the Boot campaign.

The campaign was a fundraising event hosted by the Seattle Fire Department/ International Association of Firefighters and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The two celebrated their 60-year partnership, devoted to benefiting children and adults in the Seattle area affected by muscle disease.

As the Muscular Dystrophy Association's largest national sponsor, the IAFF fuels MDA's mission to find treatments and cures for life-threatening muscle diseases.

The event in Seattle was part of the 2014 Western Washington Fill the Boot campaign and funds will help support MDA's programs such as research and specialized health care services. In addition, the funds go toward sending individuals who have muscular dystrophy or similar diseases to a week of fun at barrier-free summer camp at Camp Seymour in Gig Harbor.

SFD fire fighter Dennis Huston and Darren Schulberg (Station 18 in Ballard) were among close to 1000 fire fighters to post up at various intersections across the city.

The two firefighters held signs and boots out to cars stopped at the 15th Avenue Northwest and Norwest Market Street intersection, and graciously received donations from drivers.

“Seattle Fire Department has a history going back fifty years with the MDA and we made a commitment from the beginning that weren’t going to quit until we find a cure,” said Huston.

Darren Schulberg, who has been working from Station 18 for the last 23 years said, “Personally I’ve met the kids, and I’ve met their parents and I’ve see the difference it makes to the individuals here.”

Since 2005 Seattle Fire Department have raised over $800,000. Last year the Seattle Fire Fighters Union 27 raised more than $105,000.

“We have a lot of great support so far. We are expecting to raise just as much as we raised last year,” said Director of Business Development, Whitney McIlwain.

Since 2005, Station18 in Ballard has been the leading station in the city for donations collected.

“Every year the Ballard station seems to be our top performer and raises a lot of money. The Ballard community is very generous and really supports their fire
fighters and what they do to support MDA… I think Ballard is a tight knit community and enjoys helping out.”

So what does the support mean to those affected by muscle related diseases?

“It means unparalleled care at a multidisciplinary clinic at Seattle Children’s Hospital or the University of Washington. It means a weeklong summer camp experience for all of our kiddos ages six to 17. We get to celebrate their abilities and just have a blast and do things like swimming, canoeing and rock climbing. It means wheelchair repairs and of course research. We have about five active research grants MDA has contributed to in the Western Washington area. “

Currently MDA is funding over 250 research project worldwide.

“It’s been an important cause since the 50’s. MDA covers 43 muscle diseases. ALS -- Lou Gehrig's disease is a better-known disease. Right now we are expect to see more clinical trials in the next five years then we have seen in the last 50 years, so it’s really moving in the right direction. Research is really exciting right now.”

IAFF’s support for MDA began in 1954 when the organization committed by proclamation to support MDA until a cure is found. In 2013, more than 100,000 fire fighters participated in Fill the Boot events across the country and raised $26.2 million.

“Throughout 2014 MDA and fire fighters are celebrating 60 years of proud partnership, joined together in the fight against life-threatening muscle disease.
Fire fighters in the Seattle area do more for MDA and the families we serve than any other group, dedicating countless hours of their time every year participating in Fill the Boot drives and at MDA Summer Camp. We're grateful for the support of these inspiring, selfless individuals who have made a profound impact on our families’ health, wellbeing and quality of life, and we're excited to make this year’s Seattle Fill the Boot campaign the most successful yet.”