Local union places fourth in South Sound for funds collected.
For 55 years, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the International Association of Fire Fighters have collaborated on fundraising efforts.
The relationship is especially personal for Lt. Bill Green of Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue.
“I don’t know what my family would have done without the MDA,” he said. “They are like a secondary insurance for us.”
Green’s daughter, Noelle, was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth, a form of muscular dystrophy, at age 3. She has since been re-diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, which limits her from running, jumping and most physical activities.
It is not known whether Noelle’s case is type 2 or type 3 SPA. With type 2, life expectancy is impacted. With type 3, the impact is much less debilitating.
Green said the family attempts to push her physically where they can, such as through stretching and on the treadmill.
“The doctor may say you can’t do something, but that’s not our philosophy,” he said.
Green said the disease does not affect Noelle socially, as she is involved in a number of extracurricular activities. She is the sports manager for a number of teams at her middle school and plays the piano.
She does not need a walking assistance at school, though she has a power scooter for longer trips.
“For her, there isn’t an impact that day because that’s how she’s always been,” Green said.
The Professional Firefighters of Kitsap County, Local 2819 — which consists of firefighters from the greater Silverdale, Poulsbo and Kingston areas — raked in more than $23,000 for MDA this year through the “Fill The Boot” Campaign, which consisted of fire personnel standing on street corners to collect donations.
The group also helped with MDA’s annual Lock-Ups, where community leaders help raise funds by agreeing to be “jailed” at local restaurants to help raise “bail” for the organization.
“It’s a good cause, we enjoy meeting the kids,” said John Tollefson, spokesman for Local 2819. “It’s fun, they’re super special. The best part is us helping them be normal kids.”
Green said the department also helps at MDA’s local weeklong camp, held annually in the summer at Seymour Park in Tacoma.
“All the kids love seeing the firemen,” he said.
Green is often asked to speak with his wife Malynda at local MDA functions in the area, including one this past week. For him, they are an attempt to put a family face on the issue.
“His entire family has been part of the MDA family for a number of years. We really treasure them in our office,” said Susie West, fundraising coordinator for the South Sound Chapter of the MDA in Tacoma.
