INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS
DIRECTORS' AWARD FROM MDA

TUCSON, Ariz., March 18, 2008 – The Muscular Dystrophy Association today awarded its highest philanthropic achievement honor, the MDA Directors' Award, to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).

MDA President and CEO Gerald C. Weinberg presented the award to IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger at the Association's national headquarters in Tucson, Ariz.

MDA President & CEO Gerald C. Weinberg (right), presents the MDA Director's Award to IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger at the Association's national headquarters in Tucson, Ariz.

The award honors people and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to MDA's battle against neuromuscular disease in the areas of corporate and organizational sponsorship, media and entertainment industry support, and personal fundraising.

Weinberg noted that the tradition of fire fighter support of MDA began more than half a century ago.

"Since then, fire fighters have made MDA their mission, and in the process become the single largest sponsor of the Association — raising more than $300 million to support the battle against muscle-wasting diseases," Weinberg said.

MDA is a national voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education. The Association’s programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors.