Jerry Lewis MDA TELETHON

Hi Everyone,

Like many of you, when we were kids we spent the last weekend of summer vacation swimming, eating barbeque chicken, watermelon, homemade ice cream and watching the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. Since 1966, comedian and entertainer Jerry Lewis has brought worldwide attention to a group of diseases called the “Muscular Dystrophies” with the 21 ½ hour telethon he hosts. At the present time, there are 43 recognized “muscular dystrophy” diseases. ALS is one of these diseases. We didn’t know this until a little over 2 months ago. To be honest, I have only watched brief snippets of the telethon over the years. Being somewhat cynical, I always regarded the telethon as a ploy that used cute handicapped children to gain sympathy and to tug at the heart strings of hard working people until they were willing to give of their hard earned money—it worked, and I am thankful. We, and many other families, are benefiting from this media “ploy” that has prompted many wonderful, hard working folks to give generously.

Last year’s MDA Telethon raised $63.8 million in donations. Over half of this money was allocated toward research; $18 million of it was given toward ALS research. There are about 225 university-affiliated MDA clinics in the United States and 38 MDA/ALS clinics. Every person that has a neuromuscular disease and is registered with the MDA is eligible to benefit directly from the money raised during the telethon. As a result, all muscular dystrophy patients may receive a free flu vaccine, assistance with the purchase and repair of expensive medical equipment, support groups and educational literature. MDA also has nearly 90 summer camps across the United States where children that suffer from various muscular dystrophies can experience an unforgettable week of fun just being a kid, at no cost for their parents! As we are finding out, these neuromuscular diseases are very expensive to deal with and many families could not make it without the help of the MDA.

Gene and I will be watching the MDA Telethon, beginning August 31 at 7pm. In San Diego, it will be on the KUSI television station. With hearts that have been tugged at, we will be picking up our phone to make a donation for “Jerry’s Kids”. We will also be thankful for every dollar that is earned, knowing from experience, it will be put to use to help alleviate the suffering of many.

With love,

Gene and Michele