Telethon 2001 "Labor of Love" Sets New Record	Nothing—not even pneumonia—could keep Jerry Lewis from his annual "Labor of Love."
	Mattie Stepanek appears on a video screen below a new record toteboard figure. Television star Wayne Brady handles co-host duties smoothly. Country music legend Reba McEntire dedicates a moving rendition of "I'll Be" to MDA families.	by Bill Greenberg During the final segment of the 2001 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, the toteboard reflected a figure just short of the record of $54.6 million set by Telethon 2000. "It's close," anchor Ed McMahon observed in the afternoon hours of Labor Day. "Yeah, too close," star Jerry Lewis replied. "I still need more." The show business veteran who serves as MDA's national chairman and Telethon star always saves the best for last — and this year was to be no exception. America was about to meet Mattie Stepanek. Appearing via satellite from Baltimore, the 11-year-old poet and MDA Maryland Goodwill Ambassador read selections from his book, "Heart-songs." And with Mattie's face still on the screen, the toteboard changed to $55.3 million. Following Mattie's stirring performance, MDA National Goodwill Ambassador Sarah Schwegel added her own exclamation point — telling co-hosts Jann Carl and Cynthia Garrett that she would sell autographed copies of her Sept. 2 Parade magazine cover, if that's what it took to reach the goal. After seeing these two forceful youngsters, viewers set a new Telethon record — $56,780,603 in pledges and donations.

Stealing the Show

While Mattie and Sarah's ability to generate nearly $1.5 million in the closing minutes was exciting, they weren't alone in making a lasting impression on the Telethon audience.

Rob Roozeboom and his wife, Sharla, of Sheldon, Iowa, led a contingent of MDA families

Telethon co-hosts Cynthia Garrett (left) and Jann Carl share a laugh with MDA National Goodwill Ambassador Sarah Schwegel.

Hour 18 had come to a somber close, as Lewis described his last telephone conversations with 15-year-old Tyler Lindell, the Wyoming MDA Goodwill Ambassador who passed away just before the Telethon. In the next hour, Roozeboom, who's affected by limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, delivered a powerful tribute of his own to Tyler.

MDA clients also enhanced the entertainment lineup, with Bradley Walker and his new band getting down home and country. Calvin Ray Johnson sang with polished confidence and returned to do a touching duet with Kermit the Frog.

The Show Must Go On

During the weeks leading up to the Telethon, news media had carried articles about Lewis' uncertain health. With the ravages of his recent battle with pneumonia much in evidence, Lewis' presence during the show's opening and closing hours said as much about his commitment to "his kids" as it did about his professionalism.

With the help of McMahon, Carl, Garrett and co-host Norm Crosby, Lewis led the way to victory. Telethon stalwart Casey Kasem, joined by comic Bob Zany and TV star and Telethon newcomer Wayne Brady, also filled in admirably while Lewis got some needed rest.

"I couldn't have done it without them," Lewis said. "Their hard work and commitment to 'my kids' really helped make this year's show one of the best ever."

Over 40 musical acts — plus a dozen more dance and variety acts, joined by more than a dozen hilarious comedians — presented quite a challenge for production staff who — after all — had only 21½ hours to work with.

Add to that roster the two dozen celebrity appeals and remote performances from Branson, Boston, Nashville, New York, Las Vegas and Chicago, and you've got one of the most impressive collections of stars this side of the Milky Way.

America Answers Jerry's Plea

Scientists reported on MDA's progress in stem cells, clinical trials and other fronts. Those reports, added to vignettes about such MDA services as summer camp, clinics and help with wheelchair purchase, gave the audience a clear picture of why their donations were essential.

"The extraordinary compassion of the great American public never ceases to amaze me, even after all these years," Lewis said. "Their message is unmistakable: They're telling us to keep the research going at full speed and beat these devastating diseases."