Fire Fighters Go the Distance for MDA

Thomas Beers knew from a very young age that he wanted to be a fire fighter. The now 25-year-old Montana native developed an early admiration for the commitment of service that he saw exemplified by his local fire fighters. Fire fighters’ commitment, both to keeping their communities safe and to bolstering the mission and impact of the MDA, made a lasting impression that would shape the trajectory of Thomas’ life.

Thomas’s mother and sister both live with Dejerine-Sottas syndrome (DSD), a rare form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). Growing up there were times when his mother needed emergency assistance in the home and the local fire department came to the rescue. His sister also attended MDA Summer Camp, where fire fighters play a key role in creating and facilitating a week of magic for youth living with neuromuscular disease. As his family’s relationship with MDA evolved over the years, he saw firsthand the involvement and impact that fire fighters had in the neuromuscular disease community.

Thomas Beers (right) with an MDA Summer Camp camper.

“There were times growing up that the fire department was called, and I would see the fire fighters in action,” Thomas says. “And they were also a big part of MDA Summer Camp and raising money for MDA. Just seeing both of those images and roles face-to-face and seeing everything that fire fighters do, made me want to do that too.”

Now in his fourth year as an Engineer Paramedic & Professional Fire Fighter at Missoula Rural Fire District Station Number 1 and member of the IAFF Local 2457 Union, Thomas is following a legacy that spans decades by reigniting a passion for service at MDA Summer Camp within his department.

A lasting partnership

MDA and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) have shared a powerful partnership since the early 1950s, collaborating to empower and serve families living with neuromuscular disease. For decades, fire fighters across the country have collected critical funds in their communities as part of the Fill the Boot program. Their incredible commitment to the neuromuscular disease community and to raising awareness and funds to ensure the discovery and development of effective treatments has become a foundational cornerstone in MDA’s history and efficacy.

Through their ambassadorship with MDA, the IAFF and fire fighters play many key roles in MDA programs. In addition to Fill the Boot, Magic Wheelchair reveals, participating in local Muscle Walks, and providing support at local MDA events and fundraisers, fire fighters across the country dedicate their time and talents to bring magic and joy to MDA Summer Camps.

Going the distance for camp

As part of Missoula Rural Fire District, Thomas and his colleagues have participated in a multitude of Fill the Boot events and take pride in the opportunity to be part of an initiative that serves the neuromuscular disease community. For Thomas, contributing to a cause that serves his own family as well brings an additional level of meaning. Having witnessed the positive impact of MDA Summer Camp on his sister, who attended camp for twelve summers, and his stepfather, who volunteered at 25 camp sessions, Thomas was eager to get involved with camp himself. The only issue? His current location in rural Montana was no longer in close proximity to an MDA Summer Camp location.

“My sister made lifelong friends and enjoyed all the counselors and the fire fighters at camp,” Thomas says. “And talking to some of the other guys at work that used to attend camps, participating in Fire Fighter Day or volunteering to be camp counselors, really motivated me to find a way to camp. It touched home for me because our role at camp was one of the reasons I wanted to be a fire fighter. I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my brothers and sisters in firefighting. I wanted to make an impact on the campers and be part of that legacy.”

Thomas (fifth from left) with MDA Summer Camp campers and fellow counselors.

Motivated by that desire, Thomas embarked on a journey to find a way to represent his department at camp. He connected with Jenni McGahan, an Account Director on MDA’s Fire Fighter Partnerships team, to determine which MDA Summer Camps were in closest proximity to his department. A camp in Gig Harbor, Washington, which is a 6-to-7-hour car ride from Thomas, was the closest location. However, a camp in Colorado, 13 hours away, was home to many Montana-based campers and had camp dates that fell later in summer, which would allow Thomas more time to plan.

IAFF’s undeniable commitment

Thomas spoke at his IAFF Local 2457 Union meeting to propose Missoula Rural sending fire fighters the long distance to volunteer at the MDA Summer Camp in Colorado.  Albeit a significant amount of travel, the union agreed that the value of service and participation far outweighed the cost and time required to participate. Local 2457 voted to send two fire fighters from Missoula Rural Fire District and committed to covering all costs associated with travel, including flights, rental cars, and hotel rooms before and after camp for both volunteers. As testament to the unshakable level of commitment that the IAFF has towards serving MDA, they also set forth plans to continue to support this endeavor each year.

Ron Lubke, Battalion Chief at Missoula Rural Fire District, volunteered to travel and serve as a counselor with Thomas. “I thought that it was incredibly impressive that someone of Ron Lubke’s rank was willing to share his time and volunteer at camp,” Thomas reflects. “He showed that anyone at any level can and should volunteer at camp.”

One incredible week

Thomas and Ron attended camp at Rocky Mountain Village in Empire, Colorado, an experience that deepened their relationship and further fueled Thomas’ passion to continue the IAFF’s commitment to having a presence at MDA Summer Camp.

Thomas (far right), campers, and counselors after an epic paint battle at MDA Summer Camp.

Amidst the fun and magic of camp, there is an opportunity for volunteers to empower and help campers realize their abilities and achieve their goals.  Thomas recognizes the incredible value of that contribution, and the lasting impact of the connections made at camp.

“My favorite thing about camp was connecting with the campers, learning their life stories, and giving them one week to take a break from reality and have fun. They can just go fishing, have water balloon fights, play, and be able to do things with no barriers,” Thomas says. “One thing that really stands out is a day that we had a huge water balloon paint fight. It was absolute chaos and so much fun. The kids were smiling and the world just stopped for a minute as all of our cabins came together, laughing and having a great time.”

Thomas is eager to return to camp and is currently working to gain interest amongst his colleagues and work out logistics to volunteer at the Gig Harbor camp next, an initiative backed by the unwavering support of the IAFF. “The possibilities are endless to make it back to MDA Summer Camp,” Thomas says. “I will make my way back and I know that a lot of the guys will do it as well. It’s a life changing opportunity.”

A positive impact

Like all fire fighters, the desire to help people and have a positive impact on others is a driving force that motivates Thomas’s choices in life. A commitment to service and deep-seated respect for legacy permeates the culture of fire fighters and resonates in their relationships within their own communities and within the neuromuscular disease community.

When asked his favorite thing about his role as a professional fire fighter, Thomas’s answer was simple: helping people.

Thomas (back row, far left) with campers and fellow counselors at MDA Summer Camp.

“We run a lot of calls where we are able to make a positive impact on people’s lives,” he says. “Whether that is helping to change a smoke detector, lifting someone after a fall, or saving a life in crisis. Most people call on 9-1-1 on what feels like their worst possible day, we show up and try to have the most positive impact possible.”

That truth exists in beautiful juxtaposition with the fact that volunteering at MDA Summer Camp provides fire fighters with an opportunity to show up for a camper’s best days and make the most positive impact possible. To fire fighters across the country – true heroes that go the distance on the worst days, best days, and every day in between – we say thank you for all that you do and for the incredible impact that you have on the lives of others.