Firefighters give diseases the boot during annual fundraising campaign

Huntington Beach firefighters raised money for the Muscular Dystrophy Assn. on July 9 by holding boots near the pier so passersby could fill them with cash.

The annual campaign, which is promoted by thousands of firefighters across the country, aims to find treatments if not cures for muscular dystrophy, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis — also known as ALS and Lou Gehrig’s disease — and other medical problems that limit mobility and strength.

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Since 1954, International Assn. of Fire Fighters members have raised about $583 million for the cause, those associated with the campaign said, adding that last year alone, more than $25 million was raised.

“Each year, Huntington Beach firefighters dedicate countless hours of their time participating in Fill the Boot drives and at MDA Summer Camp,” said Muscular Dystrophy Assn. Executive Director Ashley Cunningham. “We’re grateful for their steadfast drive and uncommon caring toward the kids and adults we serve.”

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Brittany Woolsey, brittany.woolsey@latimes.com

Twitter: @BrittanyWoolsey