As March continues, I reflect on my work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and its Shamrock campaign, which started in the 1980s. Thousands of participating retailers will sell MDA Shamrocks to customers for a donation, ranging from one to five dollars. I was the national goodwill ambassador for the MDA in 2012 and 2013 and the Shamrocks campaign was one of my favorites.
My Quantum Power Wheelchair Helps Me Share the Mission
One of the ways my family and I were involved was by going to stores such as Lowe’s Home Improvement and the regional fast food chain Bojangles. We worked with the staff and answered questions about the neuromuscular disease and the mission of the MDA. We met some amazing people while spreading awareness of the disease. I shared with many employees why the campaign for was important for raising funds. When out educating people on the MDA, my Quantum power wheelchair with iLevel® technology came in handy, allowing me to elevate so I could capture everyone’s attention.
During my tenure as ambassador, I did multiple pieces of artwork to commemorate the campaign. At the local Lowe’s, the drawing I did was placed near the store entrance for many years and was always something we had to find whenever we were in the store. Part of my role as an ambassador was to attend check presentations. We did this regularly at one of the highest-grossing Bojangles in the Charlotte area. Local news stations were present, allowing us to spread awareness of the Shamrock campaign and the mission of the MDA to many people.
Making New Friends and Fond Memories
One of my favorite memories was speaking with my friend and the former CEO of Bojangles, Randy Kibler, at a presentation. We worked together closely over the years and built a great friendship. The Shamrock campaign was a fun time for me, filled with memories. While I’ve been involved in other fundraising campaigns, the Shamrock campaign was definitely a favorite, as it allowed me to get out into the local community. The support I received during the campaign was something that I am forever thankful for, and it brought new friends into my life. Here is to the start of the spring and this year’s Shamrock campaign!
