May is ALS Awareness Month, and it’s important that every fire fighter understands
what this means for our profession. For more than seven decades, the International
Association of Fire Fighters and the Muscular Dystrophy Association have stood
together in the fight against neuromuscular diseases, including ALS. This work is
personal. According to some studies, fire fighters face nearly twice the risk of ALS
compared to the general population.

ALS is impacting members of our fire service. Our partnership and long-standing Fill the
Boot tradition help fund critical research and provide support to families facing this
disease.

Through a joint IAFF MDA ALS Initiative, we are working to better understand this risk
and support our members through a focus on research and data, increased awareness
and resources, and advancing presumptive legislation. What we’re learning:

• Research is advancing rapidly, with new approaches to earlier detection and treatment
• ALS-related changes may be identified years before symptoms appear
• New and repurposed therapies are accelerating progress toward better outcomes

People living with ALS continue to lead, advocate, and support their families while
navigating this disease. Through MDA, families are connected to critical resources,
care, and a nationwide support system.

For fire fighters diagnosed with ALS, the Muscular Dystrophy Association offers
dedicated resources and support, available at mda.org/filltheboot/iaff/als-resources.
This page also includes information on the Champion Insights Study, a research
initiative supported by MDA to better understand the connection between ALS and high-
risk populations, including fire fighters, veterans, and elite athletes. Champion Insights
is enrolling eligible participants now at championinsights.org. For questions about
participation or criteria, email enroll@championinsights.org.

What can we all do? Set your 2026 Fill the Boot dates and carry our tradition forward
supporting MDA’s mission. Our goal is simple: to stand beside our members who have
always stood for others.

If you or a member you know has ALS, please let me know so I can connect you with
our MDA contact. For more information on ALS Awareness Month and everything
happening with MDA this May, please visit the full announcement:

https://www.mda.org/press-releases/muscular-dystrophy-association-marks-als-awareness-month-throughout-may-with-breakthrough-research