Thousands of Local Businesses to Participate in MDA Shamrock Tradition to Help Families Fighting Muscle Disease Nationwide

CHICAGO, Feb. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nearly 31,000 retailers nationwide will rally together to raise funds to help the Muscular Dystrophy Association save and improve the lives of people fighting muscle disease by participating in the 33rd annual MDA Shamrock program — the largest St. Patrick's Day philanthropic event of its kind.

"Every paper shamrock you see on the walls and windows of many local retailers this spring will help bring strength and urgently-needed progress to children and adults affected by muscular dystrophy and related life-threatening diseases," said MDA President and CEO Steven M. Derks. "Donations made at check-out help MDA provide the families we serve with access to top clinical care, life-changing summer camps, support programs, groundbreaking research and much more — all focused on helping them get stronger and live longer. Together with the help of our partners, we will create a world free of the harmful effects of muscle disease."

With numerous local grocery, home improvement and convenience stores, as well as restaurants participating in the MDA Shamrock program, customers and employees can help accelerate progress for people whose abilities to move are compromised — including everyday abilities like walking, running, hugging, talking and even breathing — by adding a paper shamrock to their purchase at check-out for just a $1, $5 or a larger contribution. Each shamrock is then signed by the customer and prominently displayed in each store.

Dollars raised from the Shamrock program help MDA push science to its limits in the search for treatments and cures and support MDA's life-enhancing programs such as state-of-the-art support groups and clinics. They also make MDA summer camp possible so kids with muscle disease can enjoy "the best week of the year" at nearly 80 locations nationwide.

Learn more about the MDA Shamrock program and how to get involved at mda.org/shamrocks.

About MDA
The Muscular Dystrophy Association is the world's leading nonprofit health agency dedicated to saving and improving the lives of people with muscle disease, including muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neuromuscular diseases. It does so by funding worldwide research to find treatments and cures; by providing comprehensive health care services and support to MDA families nationwide; and by rallying communities to fight back through advocacy, fundraising and local engagement.

Visit mda.org and follow us at facebook.com/MDAnational and @MDAnews. Learn more about MDA's mission by watching this video.

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SOURCE Muscular Dystrophy Association