February 23, 2006

ON SHAMROCKS BLESSINGS FOR “JERRY’S KIDS”

“May you get all your wishes but one,
So you always have something to strive for.”
-- Irish Blessing

They say the Irish have a blessing, toast or greeting for every occasion. For all of us in the MDA family, one of the great blessings of this time of year is the public’s generous participation in our “Shamrocks Against Dystrophy” campaign, which is underway now through St. Patricks’ Day, March 17.

When you’re visiting your favorite places of business, including supermarkets, convenience stores and restaurants, keep an eye out for the green – and in some cases, gold – hues of MDA Shamrock mobiles. Then make sure to buy and sign a Shamrock and see it put on display as a sign of your generosity and compassion for “Jerry’s kids.”

Funds raised by sales of Shamrocks and Shamrock pins support MDA’s programs in research and health care services providing help and hope to families fighting neuromuscular diseases.

“May you be in heaven a half hour before the devil knows you're dead. “

It’s been said that all of us are honorary Irish persons on March 17, regardless of our heritage. In fact, lore tells us that Saint Patrick himself was not actually born Irish, but may have been born in Scotland or England in the last part of the fourth century. In the course of a colorful, sometimes difficult life, Patrick spent time as a slave and a prisoner before becoming a bishop. Soon he was led by a dream to missionary work in Ireland, which took him far and wide across the emerald isle.

Patrick died on March 17, 461 AD, but his legend grew… including the fanciful story that he drove the venomous serpents from Ireland and into the sea. Whatever the truth of that myth, Patrick remains the patron saint of Ireland and the day of his death is the day that people worldwide commemorate and celebrate the spirit of the Irish nation.

“May your home always be too small to hold all your friends”

	Maureen McGovern, seen here with MDA's 2005 National Goodwill Ambassador Morgan Fritz, serves as National Chairperson of MDA's "Shamrocks Against Dystrophy" Campaign.

The Shamrocks mobile program is one of MDA’s most successful fund-raising campaigns, thanks in large part to our “Shamrocks Against Dystrophy” chairperson, Maureen McGovern. The celebrated singer, who serves on MDA’s Board of Directors, is currently gracing the airwaves in radio and television public service announcements reminding people of the importance of buying MDA Shamrocks.

Maureen can also be seen or heard via “in-store” messages, which appear on video screens at select store check-out counters or over store audio systems. In addition, Maureen recently participated in a “kick-off” rally to encourage MDA staff across the nation to do their utmost in their efforts to ensure the success of the Shamrocks program.

“I hope people across the country will look for the glint of green in their favorite places of business, and buy a Shamrock or two to support MDA,” says Maureen. “Just as the Irish are noted for their warm hearts and generous spirits, the American people have always shown they have a soft spot in their hearts for ‘Jerry’s kids,’ and that’s something for which I’m deeply grateful.”

Last year’s Shamrocks campaign raised over $12 million to benefit MDA, and with any luck this year’s campaign will be even more successful – striking a giant blow for victory in MDA’s ongoing effort to vanquish more than 40 neuromuscular diseases.

So please… support your local places of business and help MDA by purchasing an MDA Shamrock.

If you do so, you have my thanks in advance. What’s more, as the Irish say, “May the love and protection St. Patrick can give… be yours in abundance as long as you live.”

With every best wish . . .

The Ross Report Archive