In December, TMA received word that it would be the beneficiary of a My Cause My Cleats fundraising campaign through the New England Patriots. Each year, this event invites team and staff members from NFL franchises across the country to choose a charity close to their hearts to be featured on a custom-designed shoe. It’s the league’s way to help fans learn more about NFL players and staff, the issues they stand for beyond football, and the work they are doing to support these causes.
That’s why TMA members were cheering for the Patriots during the December 3 contest against the Los Angeles Chargers. During the game, sneakers featuring the TMA name and logo were worn by Patriots staff member Chelsi Boiardi, Senior Manager of VIP Services, and viewers were encouraged to donate to Chelsi’s cause.
Chelsi chose TMA because her father-in-law lives with myositis, and she wanted to bring attention to the challenges families like hers face.
“I have seen firsthand how this disease progresses and continuously takes away a person’s freedom of mobility,” she says. “My father-in-law was diagnosed with IBM several years ago. He is the kindest man, and it pains me that he has to go through this. So, it’s a very important cause for me. I hope that one day we can live in a world without myositis.”
Chelsi helped TMA raise $5,225 from 52 gifts during that four-day game weekend period. To top it off, in mid-January, her shoes were auctioned off, adding $1,525 to the total funds raised in this campaign.
We are thrilled that Chelsi chose TMA as her 2023 My Cause My Cleats charity, and we thank her for supporting TMA’s mission to improve the lives of those affected by myositis, fund innovative research, and increase myositis awareness and advocacy.
Did you know you can create your own unique fundraising challenge to support TMA on our website? Just tell us about your cause and what your fundraising goal is. We’ll be in touch with you to finalize the details. See examples here and get started with your challenge here.