June 26, 2008 - Members of the Richland, WA Local 1052, Kennewick, WA Local 1296 and Hanford Local I-24 gathered May 27 with members of the community, administration and MDA families for the 2008 Fire and Ice Gala to celebrate the achievements of these locals and to recognize three outstanding members who have made a difference to families living with neuromuscular disease in the Mid-Columbia area. The event raised more than $20,000 to help provide medical equipment, clinic visits and summer camp to people MDA serves.

This year also marked the first “MDA Mid-Columbia Firefighter of the Year” award given to the fire fighter who demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the fight against muscular dystrophy and who has gone above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of the families that MDA serves.

Richland, WA Local 1052 member Damon Bryan was this year’s honoree in recognition of the time he has spent coordinating the Richland Fire Department’s Fill-The-Boot effort, his service to the MDA Summer Camp program as a counselor for 14 years and his dedication to the MDA families. Damon has been a valuable advocate for MDA’s mission in the community.

Additionally, Hanford Local I-24 member Mark Cope and Kennewick, WA Local 1296 member Kelly Williamson are to be congratulated as Damon’s fellow nominees for this award. Cope has coordinated the Hanford Fire Department’s Fill-The-Boot effort and has organized Local I-24’s MDA Golf Tournament for 11 years, raising more than $75,000 to help local families. Williamson has also been the coordinator for the Kennewick Fire Department’s Fill-The-Boot effort and has served as a camp counselor during MDA Summer Camp. He has spent countless hours helping pave the camp’s pathways to ensure accessibility, helped move wheelchairs and equipment for clients, and has been a true friend to the families MDA serves.

MDA extends an enormous thank you to these members and their families for making this event full of spirit and inspiring hope in families affected by muscular dystrophy across the Mid-Columbia area.