Ian Willis officially named MDA ambassador [The Valdosta Daily Times, Ga.]

Aug. 26--VALDOSTA -- A Valdosta boy was recognized as firefighters kicked off their boots in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Members of the Valdosta Fire Department will hit the streets to fill their boots with donations for the benefit of MDA today through Saturday, Aug. 28.

The 2010 Fill the Boot campaign marks the 56th year that the Valdosta Fire Department has partnered with the MDA to continue research projects as well as care programs for those who live with the disease.

Valdosta Fire Chief J.D. Rice announced at a press conference Thursday that his plan is to beat out last year's amount of $10,000.

"Last year, we raised $10,000," he said. "This year, we are setting our sights on $10,500."

Rice thanked the firefighters, the MDA clients, and Mayor John Fretti for making it possible to be a part of the MDA. He added that the support has personal meaning for him. One of his very own children suffers from the disease and is making great strides because of all the support.

The close connection to the disease not only affects Rice, but the Valdosta Fire Department family. In addition to Rice's daughter, Lt. Dereck Willis has a child diagnosed with mitrochondrial myopathy, a form of muscular dystrophy.

Ian Willis, 9, has been featured more than once by The Valdosta Daily Times for his courage and approach to helping other kids with muscular dystrophy. At Thursday's press conference, Ian was named Valdosta's official ambassador for MDA. He is the very first to receive the honor in Valdosta and will now be in the running for MDA ambassador of the state, said Nancy Tufts, MDA representative.

That wasn't the only good news for the fourth grader. Fretti presented him with a plaque and announced Aug. 26, 2010, as Ian Willis Day. Fretti also presented the Valdosta Fire Department with a certificate stating August is MDA Firefighter Appreciation Month.

When asked how he feels about the honors he received, Ian replied with a big smile, "Good."

As ambassador, Ian will hit the streets as well with a personal goal of raising $800, the amount it takes to send one kid to the MDA camp. He is also scheduled to make personal appearances throughout the city as the spokesperson for muscular dystrophy.

He said in a speech he prepared that attending the camp was a "really fun thing to do" but that he also just likes the fact that he can raise money for other kids like him.

Tuft said the money raised last year was $6,000 more than what was raised in 2008.

"The firefighters really do good work here in Valdosta," she said. "Without their support, none of the things we do would be possible."

The passionate representative also added that for every $500 collected, they can make repairs to wheelchairs, leg braces, communication devices and other equipment needed. For every $100, a support group for adults with MD can be formed. For every $800, a kid can be sent to camp.

The life expectancy for people with MD used to be 17-19 years, Tuft said, but now, with research and medication, people with muscular dystrophy are living longer so the support groups are necessary.

Firefighters will be at Walmart on Inner Perimeter Road and Norman Drive, Winn-Dixie on Madison Highway and North Ashley Street, and Harvey's on Bemiss Road collecting donations.

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Copyright (c) 2010, The Valdosta Daily Times, Ga.

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