BOONE, Iowa—Fareway Stores throughout Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota are uniting to help the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) free kids and adults from the harmful effects of muscular dystrophy, ALS and related life-threatening diseases by participating in the MDA Shamrocks program  running through St. Patrick’s Day.

Fareway Stores invite customers to join them in the nation’s largest St. Patrick’s Day fundraising program, by adding an iconic paper Shamrock (pinup) to their purchase for just a $1, $5 or a larger contribution– all benefiting MDA.

“We are honored to again join MDA for the annual Shamrocks campaign tradition,” said Fareway CEO Reynolds W. Cramer. “We encourage our generous customers to go above and beyond to help support MDA, and their work to free kids and adults from debilitating muscle disease.”

“For families fighting muscle-debilitating diseases, MDA Shamrocks represent more than luck, it is a symbol of strength, independence and life,” said MDA Director of Business Development, Brette Dowson. “With help from Fareway, we will be able to bring urgently needed answers and support to kids and adults affected by neuromuscular diseases today, as we work together to make tomorrow free from the diseases themselves.”

The MDA Shamrocks program unites tens of thousands of retail locations throughout the country to benefit the organization’s shared mission to fund groundbreaking research across diseases and provide individuals with life-enhancing programs and support services, including state-of-the-art multidisciplinary care at the MDA Care Center at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Recent major medical and scientific advancements including the development of four new drugs that are now available treatment options, and the promise of more to come, make today the most promising time in the history of neuromuscular disease research and care. This is made possible in part by the funds raised and support given over the years to the MDA Shamrocks program. Funds raised also make MDA Summer Camp possible for more than 70 area kids where they can experience the best week of the year at no cost to their families at Camp Courageous in Monticello, IA.