September 13, 2008

United States House of Representatives
House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative,

For nearly 60 years, I've been asking folks to pitch in and make a difference for Americans affected by muscular dystrophy. Today, I'm reaching out to you.

MDA has made great strides in advancing research in muscular dystrophy. As a partner with the federal government, we matched the $1.5 million in funding granted to each of the first three Wellstone Centers for MD Excellence as part of the MD CARE Act of 2001. In the seven years since the bill passed, MDA has continued its commitment to the Wellstone Centers for Excellence and the muscular dystrophy scientific community, granting unparalleled levels of private funding for this vital research.

The MD CARE Act expired in 2006 and is up for reauthorization. Please stand with me and the tens of thousands of Americans affected by the nine forms of muscular dystrophy by pledging your support for the MD CARE Act reauthorization (H.R. 5265). Tell my kids, and everyone across this country, that you're in the fight for a cure!

Jerry Lewis
MDA National Chairman