ATLANTA – Atlanta Falcons defensive end, John Abraham, has teamed up with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) for a second year to help area children and adults with devastating neuromuscular diseases.
John has pledged $500 to MDA for every sack he makes during the 2009 season and started the season with a bang in the opening game against Miami where he scored two sacks! Last year Abraham set a franchise record for sacks in a season with 16.5 and also donated 30 tickets to each home game for MDA families to be part of the action. At the end of the 2008 season John was named an Associated Press second team All Pro.
According to Abraham, giving back is an important part of being in the public eye. “I am excited to part of the MDA team and hope to make a big difference in the lives of local children and adults dealing with muscle disease. It is very inspiring to see the courage and grace these kids display and I hope to match last season’s sacks to help put muscle behind finding a cure.”
Funds contributed through Abraham’s “Hitting Hard for a Cure” program will be used by MDA to provide medical care and services to “Jerry’s Kids” at the MDA Clinics at Emory University and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta/Scottish Rite.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is a voluntary health agency working to find treatments and cures for forty-three (43) neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and community services and far-reaching professional and public health education. Services include assistance in the purchase and maintenance of leg braces, wheelchairs and communication devices and MDA Clinic visits. Other services include support groups, physical therapy; flu shots for patients, a weeklong Summer Camp at Camp Twin Lakes, vital research and much more.
The Greater Georgia chapter of MDA serves over 2200 children and adults in an 86 county area. MDA requests no fees from those it serves and receives no United Way funding. The Association is funded almost entirely by private, individual contributors.
For more information about the John Abraham “Hitting Hard for a Cure” program or other events, contact the Muscular Dystrophy Association at (770) 491-6045.
