HOW HE SEES IT Fighting neuromuscular diseases

By RON FRITZ
SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR
As a firefighter, for many years I've stood on Missouri street corners collecting donations in the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Fill-the-Boot drive.
Supporting MDA's fight against muscle-wasting diseases felt like the right thing to do. In fact, both my wife, Susan, and I remember helping with MDA backyard carnivals when we were youngsters.
Each time I volunteered, I felt proud to be a part of the alliance between MDA and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). The IAFF has supported MDA's mission since 1954, and is its largest national sponsor.
It never occurred to me that the people I was helping might someday include my own family.
Personal experience
When my second daughter, Morgan, was just 18 months old, we learned that she had spinal muscular atrophy, one of the diseases in MDA's program. SMA causes weakness in the muscles of the arms, legs and torso.
At 5, our little girl already uses a walker. As her SMA progresses, Morgan will have to use a wheelchair, she may need a respirator to help her breathe, and she'll probably require assistance with almost every aspect of daily living.
Faced with such overwhelming news, at times we didn't know what to do, where to go, or even how to feel.
Fortunately, MDA was there with answers.
For four years, MDA has helped our family in so many ways: with great medical care, vital information, emotional support and cutting-edge research that I know will someday stop SMA dead in its tracks.
Most important, MDA gives us hope. And for that we can thank the caring American public -- and firefighters across the country.
MDA and the IAFF are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their partnership this year. Since pledging in 1954 to support MDA "until a cure is found," the IAFF has raised nearly $200 million for the fight against more than 40 neuromuscular diseases through Fill-the-Boot, softball tournaments, bowl-a-thons and other special events. Many firefighters also volunteer at MDA summer camps across the country, helping "Jerry's kids" have a fantastic week of fun.
Under the leadership of General President Harold Schaitberger, IAFF's commitment to MDA grows stronger every day. In fact, we're determined to raise a record amount for MDA this year.
Make a donation
So if you see a firefighter holding out a boot to be filled at a local mall or street corner, make a donation. And watch the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon this weekend and make a pledge in any amount that you can.
Firefighters are often honored with the label of "hero," a compliment we truly appreciate.
But I hope you remember that "hero" is also a perfect way to describe kids like Morgan, and people of all ages who are embracing life in the face of neuromuscular diseases.
With your kindness and support, families like mine can continue to count on MDA. Thank you.
XFritz is a firefighter and paramedic for the Normandy Fire Department and a member of IAFF Local 2665 . He and his wife, Susan, live in St. Peters, Mo., and have three children: Madilynn, 8, Morgan, 5, and Austin, 3. The Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon will be broadcast today and Monday, and seen on some 200 MDA "Love Network" stations across the country.