A group of Edmonton firefighters is being left out in the cold this week to show support for those living with a debilitating disease.
Five firefighters will be living on the Station #2 roof from Monday to Thursday for the annual Rooftop Campout, which raises awareness and funds to help the national Make Muscles Move campaign in support of people with Muscular Dystrophy (MD).
“The reason we do it in the wintertime is it’s the most we can feel like them. Our muscles are cold, they’re constricted and they’re not moving like they should ” Courtney Polson said.
“It’s a far cry from how they’re feeling but it’s as close as we can get to it.”
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Funds raised will be used to improve the quality of life of those with neuromuscular disorders by buying mobility equipment, providing support services and funding research.
Shanon Brausen is the Muscular Dystrophy Canada Edmonton Chapter president and lives with a neuromuscular disorder. She says the fundraiser is critical for those living with MD.
“Their motto is ‘Until there’s a cure, there is us,’ and for us as the clients, it means they have our backs and they’re always going to be there to help us to find a cure and to make sure we’re provided with all the equipment we need,” Brausen said.
The goal for the local campout is to raise at least $100,000.
READ MORE: Firefighters from across the Capital Region camp-out for Muscular Dystrophy
Canadian firefighters have raised $85 million for Muscular Dystrophy Canada since 1954.
Muscular Dystrophy is the name given to a group of over 150 types of neuromuscular disorders characterized by the wasting away and progressive weakness of the voluntary muscles that control voluntary movement.
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