BUY A SHAMROCK, HELP FIGHT MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
TUCSON, Ariz., March 12, 2003 — Led by internationally renowned
singer Maureen McGovern, millions of Shamrocks
Against Dystrophy participants will help “paint the town green”
in time for St. Patrick’s Day and help the Muscular Dystrophy
Association in so doing.
Continuing a 20-year MDA tradition, patrons across the country are supporting
the fight against neuromuscular diseases by buying and signing $1 and
$5 Shamrock mobiles at thousands of supermarkets, convenience stores,
restaurants, gas stations and other retailers. McGovern, a longtime
MDA national vice president and regular performer on the Jerry Lewis
MDA Telethon, is serving as the chairperson of Shamrocks Against Dystrophy
for the fourth year.
“I know firsthand how much every dollar donated matters,”
said McGovern, whose teen-age niece is affected by dermatomyositis,
one of the neuromuscular diseases in MDA’s program. “MDA
research has led to treatments that have benefited this child that I
love, and the Association’s services are vital in the lives of
my family and of tens of thousands of other Americans.”
The nation’s largest charitable campaign associated with St. Patrick’s
Day, Shamrocks Against Dystrophy in 2002 raised more than $13 million
through the efforts of volunteers, participating businesses and donors.
“This special campaign provides a marvelous way of supporting
MDA's lifesaving research and service programs that benefit families,
such as summer camps and clinics,” MDA President & CEO Robert
Ross said.
During the days leading up to St. Patrick's Day, millions of Americans
will take the time to buy and sign Shamrocks at stores where they do
business every day. The donations make a tremendous difference in the
lives of families in local communities.
MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular
diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services,
and far-reaching professional and public health education.
For more information about MDA or the Shamrocks program, call (800)
572-1717 or visit www.mda.org.
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