August 30, 2000

REGARDING AMAZING FAMILIES WHO GRACE OUR TELETHON STAGE

On the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, which airs live for 21 1/2 hours starting at 9 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Sept. 3, you'll see a parade of top-name stars ranging from music sensation Christina Aguilera and red-hot television personality Regis Philbin to acclaimed film actor Jack Lemmon. And that's only a small sampling of the celebrities who'll be turning out in support of MDA's mission to defeat neuromuscular diseases.

MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis will assume hosting duties for his 35th annual Telethon broadcast. Ed McMahon will once again be on hand as Jerry's Telethon anchor, with Jann Carl, Norm Crosby and Cynthia Garrett serving as Telethon cohosts.

But there are others who'll be making appearances who, albeit not as recognizable, are just as important in the MDA Telethon universe. I'm referring to the children and adults with neuromuscular diseases who'll share their personal stories with our Telethon audience.

One such family is that of Lauren Carter of Oceanside, Calif. Lauren, 9, has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and serves as MDA's 2000 National Goodwill Ambassador. Along with her family, she's been traveling the country, letting people know about the work MDA is doing to combat SMA and related disorders.

The Carter family, Traci, Ken, Lauren and Dalton, of Oceanside, Calif., are MDA's 2000 National Goodwill Ambassadors.

The Carters will be making a live appearance on the Telethon, in conjunction with their videotaped profile.

Another wonderful family that's slated to appear are the Schwegels of Kirkwood, Mo. Sarah Schwegel, 7, also has SMA.

This year's Telethon audience will be rewarded with performances by two talented individuals who are served by MDA. One is Robin Chavez of Arlington, Texas who has dermatomyositis and is an opera singer. The other is Mindy Klusman of Austin, Texas who has SMA and is a country singer. Both have agreed to contribute their considerable musical abilities for the 2000 broadcast.

Someone who's been an integral part of our broadcast for several years and who'll be returning once again is Mandy Van Benthuysen, 20, of San Diego. Mandy is a college student who has limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. She appears on the Telethon in her role as MDA National Youth Chairperson, introducing and thanking youth groups that have performed volunteer service in behalf of MDA throughout the year.

In addition, the Telethon will present a live discussion of disability issues between Chris Rosa of Queens, New York and Tom Bush of Tucson, Ariz. Rosa has Becker muscular dystrophy; he serves on MDA's Board of Directors and on our National Task Force on Public Awareness . Bush has SMA and works at MDA's national headquarters as our director of online services.

On air, MDA will announce the winner of our 2001 National Personal Achievement Award. The recipient, a high-achieving individual with one of the neuromuscular diseases in MDA's program, will appear live on the broadcast to accept the prestigious award.

Many other individuals, young and old, will appear in pretaped segments on the national broadcast. What's more, throughout the country, hundreds more families and individuals fighting neuromuscular diseases will be seen on local broadcasts of the Telethon. Check local listings to find the broadcast time and station in your area.

The individuals and families I've cited are making vital contributions by sharing their dramatic personal stories. It surely can't be an easy task to reveal to an audience of millions the personal pain and trauma one has undergone due to a neuromuscular disease. And yet, these individuals and families share their stories willingly, and with great courage, honesty and integrity.

Why do they do it? Because, by sharing their difficult journeys, their remarkable achievements in the face of overwhelming challenges, and their hopes and dreams for a better future, they can impress upon our viewers the urgent necessity of supporting MDA's service programs and our scientific quest to conquer neuromuscular diseases once and for all.

Please remember that our 2000 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon is viewable in its entirety on this Web site through media streamed by RealNetworks and enhanced by Global Network.

At any time before, during or after the Telethon broadcast, you can make a pledge to support MDA's programs of research, clinic services and summer camps for "Jerry's kids." To donate, simply click here, or have your credit card ready and call 800-FIGHTMD (800-344-4863).

As always, on behalf of Jerry Lewis and all of us at MDA, thank you.

With every best wish . . .

The Ross Report Archive