Muscular Dystrophy supporters to surrender themselves for cause

On Wednesday, April 7, nearly 100 business executives and community leaders from the Elgin and South Elgin communities are expected to be "locked up" for the Muscular Dystrophy Association from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. These big-hearted "jailbirds" will raise money to benefit local families living with neuromuscular disease.

Participants will surrender themselves or arrive via MDA "police wagon" to Nick's Pizza & Pub, 990 S. Randall Road in Elgin, where they will serve one-hour sentences.

In order to be released, these jailbirds must raise their bail by reaching out to their friends, family and business associates. Bail is set at $1,600, which sends two children to MDA Summer Camp. MDA camp offers a wide range of activities specially designed for young people who have limited mobility or use wheelchairs. Although structured, camp programs are conducted in a relaxed atmosphere that gives campers an unmatched opportunity to develop lifelong friendships, share interests and build self-confidence.

The funds raised at the Lock Up will directly impact the lives of local families who are affected by any of the 43 forms of muscular dystrophy, including ALS (Lou Gehrig's) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular diseases through worldwide research, comprehensive services and far reaching professional and public health education. For information regarding the Elgin Lock-Up or the MDA, call Megan Malmedahl at (630) 598-0700. Visit mda.org.