ATLANTA — More than 1.5 million Americans develop a neuromuscular disease each year and look to the Muscular Dystrophy Association for assistance.

To help provide support and resources, Kroger’s Atlanta Division is inviting customers to support its annual fundraiser for the MDA.

Through April 2, Kroger customers can buy $1 or $5 shamrock icons to help the Atlanta Division reach its goal of raising $300,000. Donations collected will help the MDA send thousands of children to summer camps and provide health care, medical equipment, wheelchairs, services and clinics to those affected by the nearly 40 forms of neuromuscular diseases.

“Each year, the MDA helps thousands of Americans receive treatment for this physically, emotionally and financially debilitating disease,” says Glynn Jenkins, director of communications for Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “All customers are encouraged to join us in this year’s shamrock initiative as we look to support the MDA’s mission to help children and adults live longer, fuller lives.”

The term “muscular dystrophy” refers to a group of genetic diseases that cause progressive muscle weakness. While some cases may be mild and progress slowly, others produce severe muscle weakness, functional disability and loss of the ability to walk.

The MDA is a national nonprofit health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, while also helping families with services and support. In 2015, the MDA provided care to more than 100,000 individuals at its 150 centers across the United States and Puerto Rico.
The organization invested $75,000 daily toward research for accelerated treatment and cures. For more information about the MDA please visit www.mda.org.

Since 2001, Atlanta Division stores have raised more than $4.6 million to benefit the MDA