BUY A SHAMROCK TODAY, HELP FIGHT BACK AGAINST MUSCLE DISEASE

TUCSON, Ariz., Feb. 18, 2014 - Thousands of supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants and other key businesses across the United States will decorate their locations with green, gold and platinum Shamrocks mobiles signed by their customers during the 32nd annual Shamrocks program in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

From early-February through the end of March, numerous retailers and MDA partners will support the fight against muscle disease by selling $1 green, $5 gold and higher-level platinum paper-mobiles that customers can purchase. The mobiles are displayed on ceilings and walls, helping to decorate stores and create a St. Patrick's Day atmosphere.

"The nation's longest-running and most successful Saint Patrick's Day fundraising campaign is back in full force, and this year we hope to raise more than ever to help save the lives of children and adults fighting muscle disease," said MDA President and CEO Steven M. Derks. "For many of us the shamrock is a symbol of luck, but to our families, MDA Shamrocks represent so much more. Each mobile sold will directly benefit those we serve and we are grateful to the American public and our dedicated partners and supporters that help make this program a success each year."

This Shamrocks season, MDA supporters can use the power of social media to help raise awareness of the annual program. Fans will be encouraged to "turn Facebook green" by changing their personal Facebook profile photos and cover images to a special Shamrocks-themed graphic image. And, in a fun twist on a popular social media craze, MDA's followers will be urged to post a photo of themselves holding their MDA Shamrocks mobile when they purchase one from a participating retailer in their area using the tag #ShamrocksSelfie.

Funds raised through 2014 Shamrock sales will help to support MDA's programs of research and health care services, including sending children affected by muscular dystrophy and related diseases to a weeklong, barrier-free MDA summer camp at nearly 80 locations throughout the United States.

About MDA

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is the world's leading nonprofit health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neuromuscular diseases. It does so by funding worldwide research; by providing comprehensive health care services and support to MDA families nationwide; and by rallying communities to fight back through advocacy, fundraising and local engagement. Visit mda.org and follow us at facebook.com/MDAnational and @MDAnews.