Thousands of retailers nationwide are raising funds and spreading awareness about muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases this February and March.
Among those taking part locally are Lutt Oil and Service and The 4th Jug. Approximately $250 has been raised during the first half of March.
Zach Jorgensen serves as local spokesperson for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and has worked with these businesses in the effort.
Retailers invite customers to purchase MDA Shamrock pin-ups in-store for $1, $5 or a larger contribution of their choosing or rounding up their purchase at checkout. All MDA Shamrocks purchased by customers are displayed in each location, showing support for more than 300,000 people in the United States living with neuromuscular diseases.
All donations support research, multi-disciplinary medical teams at over 150 of the nation's top medical institutions, and advocacy to provide equal access for our community. Funds also support educational programming, MDA Summer Camp, and the MDA Resource Center.
"When it first started in the 80's, MDA's Shamrocks pin-up campaign was an innovative approach to raising money by engaging local communities and businesses — it transformed the way non-profits everywhere raise money. This legacy campaign has continued now for four decades, and funds both groundbreaking research and life-changing experiences such as MDA Summer Camp. We are extremely grateful for the generosity of retailers who partner with us year after year, and their loyal customers, who empower our families by proudly purchasing Shamrocks," said Donald S. Wood, PhD, president and CEO of MDA.
Over the past seven years, the work of MDA has, in part, led to 15 FDA approved treatments to empower our community members to live full productive and independent lives.
To learn more about the 2022 MDA Shamrocks program, find participating retail locations, please visit mda.org/shamrocks or create an MDA Shamrocks Facebook fundraiser to show your support. MDA will be posting about the campaign on national social media channels @MDAorg using #Shamrocks40 #MDA on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
