MDA Launches 39th Annual #Shamrocks Fundraiser

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has launched its 39th annual #MDAShamrocks campaign — the largest St. Patrick’s fundraiser in the U.S. — aiming to raise money and awareness about muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular disorders.

During February and March, thousands of retailers across the country will invite their customers to purchase an MDA Shamrock pinup for $1, $5, or a larger contribution of their choice. Donations also may be made online.

The goal of the MDA and its partners is to raise $4 million in the 2021 campaign.

“MDA has been on the frontlines for our community, in research, care and advocacy,” Donald S. Wood, PhD, president and CEO of MDA, said in a press release.

“Over the past five years, the work of MDA has in part led to 11 FDA [U.S. Food and Drug Administration] approved treatments to help our community live longer and grow stronger,” he said.

The non-profit’s main priority is to help improve the lives of people affected by muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and other neuromuscular disorders. To achieve this, the MDA has already invested more than $1 billion into research to accelerate the discovery of therapies and cures. With the exception of the federal government, the MDA is currently the greatest funding source for neuromuscular disease research.

To continue this important work, funds raised through the MDA Shamrocks campaign will be invested in research and in the association’s network of more than 150 care centers at leading medical institutions spread across the country.

Every year, the MDA supports summer camps for thousands of children and young adults at no cost to their families. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, proceeds from the annual fundraiser will support educational programming through online events and virtual summer camp.

“We have pivoted quickly to virtual programming to support our community, to continue funding groundbreaking research and care,” Wood said.

This year’s retail partners for the Shamrocks campaign include Burger King, CITGO and its marketers, Fareway Stores, Pilot Food Mart, Minuteman Food Mart, Discount Drug Mart, Hardee’s, Shaw’s Supermarket and Star Market, and Price Chopper.

To show support for the more than 300,000 people in the U.S. who have neuromuscular disorders, all purchased MDA Shamrocks will be displayed at each location.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of our retail partners and their loyal customers, who go the extra mile for families in their communities to bring this all-important campaign to life,” Wood said. “Every MDA Shamrock that is purchased leads us one step closer to finding a cure for neuromuscular diseases.”

National Football League player Nyheim Hines, from the Indianapolis Colts, will be helping to raise awareness for the campaign as the MDA’s 2021 national spokesperson. Hines, who has family members with muscular dystrophy, Hines has been a longtime MDA supporter for events in Indiana.

On Saturday, March 13, at 7 p.m. ET, the MDA’s online gaming community, Let’s Play, will join in the fundraising efforts during. Let’s Play will host a St. Patrick’s Day-themed game night for patients, supporters, friends, and family — basically, anyone with a love for gaming. To register, please visit tiltify.com/mda.

More about the campaign and participating retail locations can be found here. Support also can be shown by creating a Shamrocks Facebook fundraiser.