Unlike City Councilor Todd Fedora, I did not believe local firefighters were wasting resources by supporting the local chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association ("On-duty firefighters raise money for charity," Aug. 23).
As former director of the local MDA office, I am aware of the relationship that was established between the International Association of Firefighters and the Muscular Dystrophy Association in the early 1950s. It began with a Fill-the-Boot campaign. Since then, on-duty firefighters from more than 550 cities across the country participated in annual, three-day Fill-The-Boot campaigns to support MDA families. They have become the MDA's largest supporter.
Although Duluth has not previously participated in this specific campaign, Duluth firefighters have supported MDA in other ways, including at parades and with raffles, golf tournaments and even a cookbook. Those efforts raised thousands of dollars and awareness for the local chapter.
It is common for businesses and organizations to align themselves with specific charities. In this case, the firefighters' union, the IAFF, chose MDA as one of its causes. Duluth Local 101 chose to support the local chapter of the MDA. It's my understanding that more than $30,000 was raised through these efforts.
Along with other Minnesota cities, Duluth was eager and ready to join firefighters across the nation and participate in the 55th year of the on-duty Fill-the-Boot campaign. This campaign became possible with the support of the local union, Fire Chief John Strongitharm, Mayor Don Ness and the state of Minnesota, all of whom knew public safety would not be jeopardized. The firefighters were on duty, waiting to respond to an emergency, whether they were at the station or a block up the street. Extra help was provided by spouses, off-duty firefighters and MDA staff.
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In a time when our city is facing multiple challenges and strife, I found the sight of our finest taking time to help others as a beacon of hope. As a part of an MDA family, I cared for my stepson who lost his life this February to one of the diseases that falls under the MDA umbrella. The money raised helps with support services that we used. It helps with research and it also helped pay for an unforgettable experience with summer camp.
I thank Duluth's firefighters. I appreciate all that they do and have done for MDA families. I know the timing wasn't the greatest for the launch of this campaign, and I hope they won't let a few negative remarks discourage their heroic efforts in the fight against neuromuscular diseases.
MICHELLE MIKE-RUSSELL of Duluth is former director of the Duluth Muscular Dystrophy Association office.
