MDA and Jiffy Lube Team Up to Support the Fight Against Muscle Disease with Fourth Annual MUSCLE UP! Campaign

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is pleased to announce that Jiffy Lube is hosting its fourth annual MUSCLE UP! campaign. As part of the program, Jiffy Lube invites drivers to visit participating Jiffy Lube service centers from Aug. 1 through Sept. 7, 2015 to make a donation to MDA to help kids and adults fighting muscular dystrophy, ALS and related life-threatening diseases that severely limit muscle strength and mobility.

Since 2012, Jiffy Lube has raised more than $3.5 million nationally for MDA through the MUSCLE UP! program. Vital funds  raised help MDA push science to its limits in the search for cutting-edge treatments and cures for debilitating neuromuscular diseases, and support MDA’s life-enhancing programs such as state-of-the-art support groups and clinics. Through generous donations, thousands of children have the opportunity to experience a week where anything is possible at MDA summer camp at no cost to their families.

“We’re proud to team up with MDA again this year to help make a difference in the communities where we live and work,” said Steve Ledbetter, president of Jiffy Lube International. “Employees, both from Jiffy Lube International and Jiffy Lube franchisees are passionate about helping those who are courageously fighting muscle disease and have developed relationships with families in their communities as well as volunteer their time at MDA summer camp.”

The MUSCLE UP! campaign draws a parallel between the body’s muscular system and a vehicle’s engine structure – both require care and maintenance to optimize their performance. Beginning Aug. 1, consumers can make a $3 donation to MDA through the MUSCLE UP! campaign at participating Jiffy Lube service centers across the country. In return, donors will receive a MUSCLE UP! savings book containing more than $100 in savings from Jiffy Lube as well as coupons from national retailers such as Brookstone, Famous Footwear®, Aeropostale® and Buca di Beppo. All funds raised during the five-week campaign will benefit MDA and its life-enhancing programs on both the national and local level. 

For one Jiffy Lube franchisee, fighting neuromuscular disease is personal. “I attended the New Mexico MDA summer camp a couple of years ago – what a great experience and amazing opportunity for the kids,” said Richard Jones, chief financial officer  of Lubricar, a Jiffy Lube franchisee with 41 service centers. “Although, if I had known then that my two grandsons would be diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, I would have paid a lot more attention.” 

MDA is committed to funding research and providing health care  services and education to those affected by neuromuscular diseases. Many franchisees raise local awareness and support through MUSCLE UP! kick-off events and customer appreciation days, with MDA families in attendance. Additionally, both local service center employees and Jiffy Lube International staff continue to attend the barrier-free MDA summer camps, where they spend time interacting with campers and learning about the important cause firsthand. 

For the second year in a row, 10-year-old Reagan Imhoff from New Berlin, Wis., is representing MDA as the 2015 National Goodwill Ambassador. In this role, Reagan will travel the country with her parents representing individuals and families served by MDA, and speak at national sponsor events, conferences and special MDA events. She also serves as the face of this year’s MUSCLE UP! campaign and is featured in the MUSCLE UP! savings book.

“The funds raised at Jiffy Lube this summer will help accelerate urgently needed progress for people whose abilities to move are compromised — including everyday abilities like walking, running, hugging, talking and even breathing,” said MDA President and CEO Steven M. Derks. “We are thrilled to once again partner with Jiffy Lube and are grateful that Jiffy Lube franchisees and customers are always willing to ‘MUSCLE UP’ to help the kids and adults we serve live longer and grow stronger.”

The MUSCLE UP! campaign is driven by the passionate support of Jiffy Lube franchisees, who are deeply committed to giving back to their communities, as well as the drivers who look to Jiffy Lube for their vehicle preventive maintenance needs. To get involved, visit JiffyLube.com to identify and contact your local Jiffy Lube service center; there, you can also find oil change coupons and promotions for your next visit. For updates on the MUSCLE UP! campaign and for ways to help rally support from family and friends, please visit jiffylube.com/mda, or visit us on Facebook or Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Press Release Rocket.