NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) today launched the nation’s largest St. Patrick’s Day fundraising program, the 39^th annual MDA Shamrocks campaign.

Thousands of retailers nationwide are raising funds and spreading awareness about muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases this February and March. Retailers invite customers to purchase MDA Shamrock in-store pin-ups for $1, $5 or a larger contribution of their choosing at checkout. All MDA Shamrocks purchased by customers are displayed in each location, showing support for over 300,000 people in the United States living with neuromuscular diseases.

Donations may also be made to the MDA Shamrocks program online. All donations support research, multi-disciplinary care medical teams at over 150 of the nation’s top medical institutions, and advocacy to provide equal access for our community. Funds also support educational programming, including virtual events and virtual summer camp, the organization has facilitated throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to connect and care for the community.

Shamrock pin-ups available for purchase in-store feature some of the over 300,000 people living with neuromuscular diseases in the United States, for whom MDA’s services support, including Jordan, who lives with neuromuscular disease.

“Throughout this challenging time, MDA has been on the frontlines for our community, in research, care and advocacy. We have pivoted quickly to virtual programming to support our community, to continue funding groundbreaking research and care. The Shamrocks campaign is historic, and continues to fund our vital efforts,” said Donald S. Wood, PhD, president and CEO of MDA. “Over the past five years, the work of MDA has in part led to 11 FDA approved treatments to help our community live longer and grow stronger,” he continued. “We are extremely grateful for the generosity of our retail partners and their loyal customers, who go the extra mile for families in their communities to bring this all-important campaign to life. Every MDA Shamrock that is purchased leads us one step closer to finding a cure for neuromuscular diseases.”

CITGO Petroleum Corporation and its marketers, Burger King, Price Chopper, Shaw’s Supermarket and Star Market, Hardee’s, Discount Drug Mart, Minuteman Food Mart, Pilot Food Mart, Fareway Stores, and more are participating in this year’s MDA Shamrocks campaign.

Indianapolis Colts’ Nyheim Hines will raise awareness for the campaign as part of his new role as MDA’s 2021 National Spokesperson. With family members who live or have lived with muscular dystrophy, Hines has been a longtime supporter of MDA through the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats campaign, and other events for MDA in Indiana.

MDA Let’s Play, our online gaming community, will also be fundraising in a special St. Patrick’s Day-themed game night on Saturday, March 13 at 7 p.m. ET. To sign up and participate, register on our Tiltify page. Visit our Discord for full instructions on how to engage in MDA Let’s Play. Follow @MDALetsPlay on Twitter for daily updates on our gaming community.

This year, MDA and its retail partners are hoping to raise $4 million.