Medicine Hat firefighters to camp out on rooftop for muscular dystrophy

He said muscular dystrophy does not yet have a cure, but the firefighters are raising funds so they can make the lives of those with the disorders more manageable.

“People come out and show us some love, and it really helps make the lives of people living with muscular dystrophy a little bit easier,” he said.

“The idea was that with all the challenges that people with muscular dystrophies face, the firefighters wanted to show that we can also face some challenges and kind of take a break from our comfortable lives.”

Dylan Gustafson. Bob Schneider/CHAT News

Medications and therapy can help manage symptoms and slow the disease that causes progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass.

Last year firefighters were able to raise over $12,000 with the help of the community for muscular dystrophy.

Gustafson said this year’s goal is to raise $15,000.

Ground crews will direct motorists over the weekend into the parking lot of the station to make donations supporting the 50,000 Canadians living with neuromuscular disorders.

Firefighters stand on the roof of Fire Station #2 during the rooftop campout in 2024. File Photo/CHAT News

“The idea started out east to start camping on the roof, and it kind of spread across departments throughout Canada,” Gustafson said.

“Now that’s the go-to fundraiser for muscular dystrophy.”

Gustafson said donations to the foundation are currently being accepted on the Firefighter’s Facebook page, leading up to the rooftop campout starting Friday at 12 p.m.

by Jayk Sterkenburg

Medicine Hat firefighters to camp out on rooftop for muscular dystrophy

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