Muscular Dystrophy Campout

Spruce Grove Fire Services muscular dystrophy rooftop campout 2013 event

Spruce Grove firefighters participated in a three-night rooftop campout to raise funds for muscular dystrophy .

Members from Spruce Grove Fire Services camped out on the fire station roof from Feb. 4 to 7, 2013, and raised more than $33,000, surpassing their goal of $30,000.

The campout was part of a larger campaign that was started by Edmonton Fire and Rescue. This was the third year Spruce Grove Fire Services was involved in the rooftop campout challenge. They held their first campout in 2011 and brought in $16,000. Last year the firefighters raised $22,000, bringing their three-year total to $71,000.

Muscular dystrophy is the name for a group of neuromuscular disorders that are characterized by progressive weakness and wasting of the voluntary muscles that control body movement. As muscle tissue weakens and wastes away, it is replaced by fatty and connective tissue. Over time, persons with neuromuscular disorders may lose the ability to walk, speak, and ultimately breathe. For some individuals, the disorder is fatal. There is currently no cure.