Posts by: Ashraf Malhas, PhD

Jiffy Lube is teaming up with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) in the annual MUSCLE UP! campaign for the seventh year in a row. The campaign, which runs through the month of August, aims to help families affected by muscular dystrophy and other muscle-debilitating diseases. Customers donating $3 or more to MDA at participating Jiffy Lube locations will receive MUSCLE UP! savings books containing offers from retailers including Jiffy Lube, Men's Warehouse, Fuddruckers, and Office Depot. The campaign has raised more than $5.5 million to support MDA research and services since its launch in 2012. "Support from partners like Jiffy Lube makes it possible to accelerate research to find urgently needed treatments and cures for muscle-debilitating diseases," Karen Lewis Alexander, MDA's executive vice president and chief philanthropy officer, said in a press release. "In the past year, four new drugs have been approved by the [U.S. Food and Drug Administration] for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These are milestones that would not have been possible without the generosity of loyal Jiffy Lube franchisees, service center employees and customers. We are so grateful for our partnership." Donations will go toward MDA activities, which include clinics, support groups, and their summer camp program. The camps help kids with muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular diseases build their self-confidence and gain independence by being away from home and primary caregivers. Kids participate in activities according to their age level and physical abilities, including arts and crafts, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, and camp dances. Trained counselors and medical staff are available to assist participants. The MUSCLE UP! campaign has helped to send more than 2,750 kids to these camps. "I was nervous about sending her to MDA Summer Camp because she had never been away from home on her own before, and we were concerned about her getting the needed care that we provide at home. Once she attended camp, it alleviated all our fears [...] She was a little homesick the first time, but she became more independent and looks forward to camp every year," said Melissa Dulaney, mother of a child who attended a past camp, on the camp's web page. More information on the MUSCLE UP! campaign, including a link to participating JiffyLube locations, can be found here.

Posts by: Ashraf Malhas, PhD

Ashraf Malhas, PhD

Canadian Collaboration Gives Funding Boost to Duchenne MD Research

Jiffy Lube, MDA Join Forces for 7th Annual MUSCLE UP! Campaign