WHEREAS, Muscular Dystrophy, which affects more than a million Americans, refers to a group of hereditary muscle-destroying disorders which vary in inheritance pattern, age of onset, initial muscles attacked, and rate of progression; and
WHEREAS, The Muscular Dystrophy Association or MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research; and
WHEREAS, MDA also provides comprehensive health care and support services and seeks both to provide the power of information to those living with muscle diseases as well as to increase knowledge and awareness of these diseases among scientists, physicians, nurses, therapists and the general public; and
WHEREAS, MDA's advocacy efforts are committed to making life better for people with muscular dystrophy and related muscle diseases by providing representation in matters of public policy and research advancement, nationally and internationally; and
WHEREAS, Members of the IAFF Local 22 bravely serve and protect the public and property throughout the City of Philadelphia every day; and
WHEREAS, Each year, to enable MDA to continue its important efforts, members of the IAFF Local 22 generously and selflessly donate their time and energy to raise money for MDA through their Fill-the-Boot Campaign; and
WHEREAS, During the Fill-the-Boot campaign, Philadelphia Fire Fighters greet motorists, shoppers and others and ask them to donate money to MDA; and
WHEREAS, IAFF Local 22 encourages everyone in the City of Philadelphia to help them help MDA; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it recognizes Friday, May 6, 2011 as Firefighter/ MDA Day to kickoff the annual International Association of Firefighters Local 22 Fill-the-Boot Campaign in the City of Philadelphia to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to IAFF Local 22, further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body.
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