“Labor Day weekend was Jerry Lewis’ time to shine. For more than 50 years, he was the leader in the fight against muscular dystrophy, raising billions of dollars for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) to provide comfort for those with neuromuscular diseases and funding research to find a cure. His dedication to this cause is legendary, the fruits of which will be seen for generations to come. 

“Jerry Lewis was truly one of a kind, a force who made us laugh and cry while in the service of others.  IAFF members -- professional fire fighters and paramedics from across the United States and Canada -- are proud to have stood with Jerry every Labor Day during the MDA Telethon, with boots in our hands and on street corners everywhere, collecting to find a cure for Jerry’s Kids.  And we look to honor his legacy by continuing the work of providing hope for the families battling muscular dystrophy.  He will be missed.”

The International Association of Fire Fighters, headquartered in Washington, D.C., is the leading advocate in North America for the safety and training of fire fighters and paramedics and represents more than 305,000 full-time professional fire fighters and paramedics who protect communities in every state and throughout Canada. More information is available at www.iaff.org.

Since 1954, IAFF members have shown an unwavering commitment to defeating muscular dystrophy and related life-threatening diseases. Funds are raised primarily through MDA’s signature Fill the Boot ® campaign, in which member fire fighters gather on streets across the country collecting money in their boots from neighbors and passersby. For 63 years, IAFF members have raised more than $607 million to save and improve lives of families fighting muscle disease. Dollars collected in boots throughout the decades are translating into game-changing research progress today.