Over $41,345 was raised at the 2016 annual MDA Muscle Walk of Roanoke on October 15 in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s shared mission to help free kids and adults from the harm of muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases that severely weaken muscle strength and mobility.
Teams of families, friends and neighbors, along with local businesses and public supporters joined forces for the annual walk at Roanoke College to celebrate the strength of local MDA families, while raising critical awareness and funds to help accelerate research efforts to find treatments and cures.
“Nearly 100 people turned out for this year’s walk to help us bring strength to life for the real stars of the event – the kids and adults with muscle-debilitating diseases,” said MDA Area Director Diane Boardman. “We are grateful to the SW VA community who generously contributed time and money in support of MDA’s efforts to provide lifesaving research and support so these individuals and their families can experience a world without limitations.”
This year’s walk included music by the local MDA Goodwill Ambassador, Cassidy Wilson and his band, “The Judy Green Project.” Natalie Faunce of Daytime Blue Ridge and Bob Patrick of K92 FM hosted the event.
Muscle Walk sponsors included Trustcare Home Medical Equipment, Carilion Clinic, Appalachian Power Company, Wheeler Broadcasting/K92, Daytime Blue Ridge/WSLS-TV, Roanoke College, NuMotion, Sanofi Genzyme, Pride Mobility and Bath Fitter.
In 2015, dedicated participants raised $8.2 million through Muscle Walk for MDA and more than $34 million has been raised since Muscle Walk began in 2011. In Roanoke and SW VA, nearly $200,000 has been raised through this event in the last 5 years, all benefitting local families served by the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Funds raised help provide life-enhancing programs such as state-of-the-art support groups and clinics, including three MDA Care Center at Carilion Clinic in Roanoke. They also help send local kids to “the best week of the year” at MDA Summer Camp at no cost to their families at the Airfield 4-H Center.
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.
