New York, Aug. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — This Labor Day weekend, communities across America will once again join the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) for one of the nation’s longest-running charitable partnerships. Fire fighters will host more than 400 Fill the Boot fundraising events across more than 40 states, raising critical funds to accelerate research, expand specialized care, and strengthen advocacy for people living with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), muscular dystrophy, and more than 300 related neuromuscular diseases. Online donations may be made at MDA.org/FTB.

For more than 72 years, IAFF members have proudly supported MDA families, raising more than $720 million to fuel scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to expert multidisciplinary care, sending children to MDA Summer Camp at no cost to families, and connecting people and families with trusted education, resources, and support.

This year’s Fill the Boot campaign also launches the MDA Strong campaign throughout September, celebrating the individual and collective strength of families, researchers, clinicians, fire fighters, advocates, volunteers, and supporters working together to transform the future of neuromuscular disease.

“For 72 years, IAFF members have proudly supported the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the families it serves through Fill the Boot,” said Edward Kelly, General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters. “That partnership is taking on added meaning as we work together to understand why fire fighters face an increased risk of developing ALS. This Labor Day weekend, IAFF members will once again be out in their communities raising money to advance research, improve care, and support families living with ALS, muscular dystrophy, and related neuromuscular diseases. It’s work we know that can change lives.”

As MDA accelerates progress across more than 300 neuromuscular diseases, the organization is placing an increased focus on ALS through its longstanding partnership with the IAFF. Together, the organizations are advancing research, education, and advocacy efforts to better understand why fire fighters face an increased risk of developing ALS while strengthening support for people living with the disease. Fill the Boot fundraising helps fuel MDA’s mission, including research, advocacy, and one of the nation’s largest networks of multidisciplinary MDA/ALS Care Centers. As part of this work, MDA is currently recruiting fire fighters diagnosed with ALS to participate in the Champion Insights Study, which collects real-world data to better understand disease progression, improve future clinical trials, and accelerate the development of new treatments.

“I spent my career answering the call as a Los Angeles County fire fighter and supporting families through the IAFF’s Fill the Boot campaign for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. I never imagined that one day I’d be living with ALS and relying on that same community for support,” said Bob Hook, a retired IAFF Local 1014 member and Los Angeles County Fire Department fire fighter living with ALS. “Today, I’m grateful to know that the Muscular Dystrophy Association and my fellow fire fighters are answering the call for me. Every Fill the Boot donation helps families access specialized care, advances research that brings us closer to new treatments, and reminds people facing these diseases that they are not alone. Having experienced both sides of this partnership, I know every dollar makes a difference. I’m also proud to support the work MDA and the IAFF are leading to better understand why fire fighters face an increased risk of developing ALS and to help advance research that will help protect future generations of fire fighters.” 

Read more in this IAFF article from the 2026 IAFF Biennial Convention in Arlington, Texas here.

“Every Fill the Boot donation is an investment in progress for people living with ALS and more than 300 neuromuscular diseases,” said Sharon Hesterlee, PhD, President and CEO of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. “We are at an important moment in the fight against ALS, with new therapies available, promising treatments advancing through clinical trials, and new opportunities to better understand this complex disease. Across the neuromuscular disease community, we’ve also seen remarkable momentum, with more than 30 FDA-approved treatments in just the past decade. Our partnership with the IAFF is helping us better understand why fire fighters face an increased risk of developing ALS while advancing the research, care, advocacy, and awareness needed to change the future of this disease.”

Watch the video from MDA National Ambassador, Lily Sander here, and Dr. Hesterlee here.

Follow the campaign throughout September using #FillTheBoot and #MDAstrong.

Media contact press@mdausa.org.

About the International Association of Fire Fighters
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) represents more than 360,000 professional fire fighters and paramedics across the United States and Canada. Since 1954, IAFF members have partnered with the Muscular Dystrophy Association through Fill the Boot, raising more than $720 million to accelerate research, advance care, and support families living with neuromuscular diseases.

About Muscular Dystrophy Association
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has been at the center of progress for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 other neuromuscular conditions for over 75 years. We unite researchers, clinicians, advocates, and families to speed the pace of discovery, improve access to expert care, and ensure inclusion in every aspect of life. Our mission is simple: give the people we serve the tools and opportunities to live longer, more independent lives. To learn more visit mda.org. Follow MDA on social media on Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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Mary Fiance, National Vice President, Strategic Communications
Muscular Dystrophy Association
press@mdausa.org

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