Legendary entertainer Jerry Lewiswill continue his battle against muscular dystrophy this Labor Day weekend on his 44th Labor Day Telethon to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Originating from South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas, the live show will air Sunday, Sept. 6 for 21 ½ hours on some 180 “Love Network” stations nationwide. Beginning at 11 p.m. the show will air locally on KPRC Local 2 in Houston, KBTX-TV 3 in Bryan/College Station and KFDM Channel 6 in Beaumont.
The broadcast raises funds for MDA’s programs of research, services and education for children and adults affected by any of more than 40 diseases in MDA’s program. It’s expected to attract some 40 million viewers nationwide and many more worldwide on the Internet via RealNetworks at mda.org.
Between messages about MDA’s programs and family profiles, the Telethon presents great entertainment. Jerry Lewis will share the stage with a variety of celebrity co-hosts, entertainers, athletes and leaders in business, government and civic affairs. Despite battling debilitating pulmonary fibrosis, severe back pain and heart surgery in recent years, MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis has never missed a Telethon.
Each hour, KPRC Local 2, KBTX-TV 3 and KFDM Channel 6 will cut away from the national broadcast to present information about local families served by MDA. Funds raised locally will directly affect the Houston area families living with muscle-wasting diseases by providing outpatient clinic services at Texas Children’s Hospital and The Methodist Neurological Institute. Purchasing and repairing wheelchairs, leg braces and communication devices are a few of many other important services provided by MDA.
In 2008, pledges and donations to the MDA Telethon totaled over $65 million. With the help of the community, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and its families can have hope for defeating neuromuscular disease. For more information about MDA please visit www.mda.org or call the Houston-Gulf Coast Regional office at 713-522-3679.
MDA is a voluntary health agency supporting programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, advocacy and professional and public health education for muscular dystrophy and related diseases. The Association’s programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors.
Amanda Anderson
713-522-3679
