Buffalo Township karate studio to host kick-a-thon to raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy Association

C.S. Kim Karate Inc. in Buffalo Township is hosting a kick-a-thon Tuesday to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

Brian Sackett, master and owner of the Buffalo Township location, said the school started working with the association 30 years ago to raise funds. He said that over the years they have been able to raise more than $500,000.

Sackett said all proceeds are donated locally to help purchase wheelchairs and special machines, and to send kids who have muscular dystrophy to camps.

“In the martial arts world, we learn how to be a better person,” he said. “That’s why we do this every year.”

Sackett said a group of 30 kids will be split up into groups. Each group will kick for 20 minutes then take their total number of kicks to their sponsor or donor to calculate how much money will be donated.

A student can average 2,000 kicks in 20 minutes, Sackett said.

Sackett said the public is welcome to attend to support the kids’ efforts or to make a donation to the MDA on Facebook by searching “Brian’s Fundraiser for 2022 Muscle Walk Your Way.”

The fundraiser will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at 612 South Pike Road.

The MDA is the No. 1 voluntary health organization in the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related neuromuscular diseases, said spokesperson Mary Fiance.

Fiance said funds raised for the organization go toward accelerating research, advancing care and advocating for families.

Jamie Devlin, vice president of fundraising and community engagement, said the MDA serves more than 11,600 families living with neuromuscular disease across Pennsylvania. The MDA has 12 locations in the state.

“It feels incredible to have a community like this come together to support MDA’s mission and be part of the progress and impact we are making together,” he said.

Devlin noted that a decade ago there were no treatments for neuromuscular diseases. Now, because of funds directed toward research, breakthroughs have been made in genetic medicine with 15 FDA-approved treatments in the past 12 years, he said.

“Today, our families are living longer, more empowered and independent lives, and we are grateful for the support of that effort,” Devlin said.

Sackett said continuing to hold events like this helps raise awareness about neuromuscular diseases and how to get involved to help.

“Any way to help someone always brings joy to us,” he said. “We say we kick for kids who can’t. It is very rewarding.”