Firefighters Raise $7,100 for Collin, Others with Muscular Dystrophy

Tinley Park residents Nicole and Jacob Betley will always remember December 11. That was the day they learned their son Collin has muscular dystrophy.

"The only thing that got us through was knowing Collin was sent to us because we have a great family that can help him through," Nicole Betley said as Jacob cradled Collin, now 2, in his arms.

Collin was born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rapid form of the genetic degenerative disorder. According to the National Institutes of Health, sufferers often need braces to walk by age 10. Most patients are confined to a wheelchair by the time they're 12.

Most patients die before their 25th birthday, the NIH reports.

There's no cure – yet.

"(The Betley family) looked to us to supply a cure and we're going to do it," said Melissa Chumbley, director of business development for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. "We're going to do it because of the support we had in the community."

Chumbley and the Betleys were on hand at the Tinley Park Village Board meeting Tuesday night to thank the Tinley Park Fire Department for raising more than $7,100 for the MDA, part of $150,000 raised in southern Cook County and $28 million raised nationally this year alone.

Firefighter Joe Odette, who Chumbley said was instrumental in organizing the Tinley Park event, accepted the plaque on behalf of the fire department. In all, they raised $7,151.

In the first Pass the Boot fundraiser, about 50 to 60 Tinley Park firefighters collected money on Aug. 20 and 21 from drivers at intersections throughout town. Odette said there are plans to make the event a yearly one.

Chumbley and the Betleys also honored the village with a plaque thanking them for approving the event.

As for Collin, the Betleys have a website, www.careforcollin.org, and will hold a fundraiser of their own on April 30 to raise money for the lifetime of care and treatment Collin will need. In addition to donations of cash, donations of goods and services the family can use as raffle prizes in the fundraiser will be accepted.