CHICAGO, March 6, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 20,000 retailers nationwide have rallied together to raise funds to help the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) improve the lives of kids and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related life-threatening diseases that severely weaken muscle strength and mobility by participating in the 36^th annual MDA Shamrocks program — the nation's largest St. Patrick's Day fundraising program of its kind.

"Each Shamrock you see at local retailers this season will help MDA continue to move the needle on advancing research and treatments. The dollars we raise together enable MDA to help kids and adults live longer and grow stronger, especially now with an unprecedented six treatments approved in the past three years for different neuromuscular diseases," said MDA President and CEO Lynn O'Connor Vos. "We are grateful for the support of all of our partners across the country who, because of their help, allow us to provide the families we serve with access to cutting-edge clinical care, life-changing summer camps, support programs and groundbreaking research." 

With numerous local grocery, convenience stores and restaurants participating in the MDA Shamrocks 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 (pinup) to their purchase at checkout for just a $1, $5 or larger contribution. Each Shamrock is then signed by the customer and prominently displayed in each store, symbolizing strength, independence and life for MDA families in the community.

Thousands of retailers across the country including CITGO Petroleum Corporation Marketers nationwide, Kroger, Bojangles Fried Chicken, Shaw's Supermarkets, Albertsons, Applebee's, Burger King, Fareway, Hardee's, KFC, Kroger, Little Caesars and Price Chopper, have kicked off their Shamrocks campaigns for 2018 that will raise critical funds through the end of March.

MDA is also launching the inaugural Green Day for MDA to give companies and supporters an additional way to show their support of MDA. After signing up online at mda.org/greenday, participants will receive a toolkit full of ideas on how to host a St. Patrick's Day fundraiser for MDA on Friday, March 16. More than 25 companies have already signed up, with more joining daily.

Thanks to recent major medical and scientific advancements, it is currently the most promising time in the history of neuromuscular disease research and medical care ― made possible in part by the funds raised and support given over the years to the MDA Shamrocks program.

Learn more about the MDA Shamrocks program and find select participating retailers at mda.org/shamrocks.

About MDA
MDA is leading the fight to free individuals — and the families who love them — from the harm of muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases that take away physical strength, independence and life. We use our collective strength to help children and adults live longer and grow stronger by finding research breakthroughs across diseases; caring for individuals from day one; and empowering families with services and support in hometowns across America. Learn how you can fund cures, find care and champion the cause at mda.org.

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SOURCE Muscular Dystrophy Association

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