August 30, 2001

ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS YEAR'S MDA TELETHON

If you've found your way to this column, you're probably aware that there's an abundance of material on this Web site related to our 2001 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, airing live Sept. 2-3 for 21 ½ hours starting at 9 p.m. EDT.

Here are some reasons why I consider this edition of our Telethon to be the most important ever.

One is Jerry Lewis. Jerry, our Telethon Host, National Chairman and Number-One Volunteer, has had to deal with some serious health problems in recent months. But that has never curtailed him in the past. Two years ago, Jerry amazed us all when he rebounded from a devastating bout of spinal meningitis in the weeks before the show.

Jerry is an entertainment legend; it's not in his nature to ignore the show-business dictum "The Show Must Go On." Jerry's fans will be pleased to know he's been conserving his strength and, as of this writing, he's raring and ready to deliver his most exciting Telethon broadcast ever -- with the help of his stalwart Telethon team including Ed McMahon, Jann Carl, Cynthia Garrett, Norm Crosby, Producer Lee Miller and Director Artie Forrest.

Jerry Lewis with MDA 2001 National Goodwill Ambassador Sarah Schwegel

Another reason to watch is a beautiful young lady named Sarah Schwegel from Kirkwood, Missouri. She's won all of our hearts during her tenure as our 2001 National Goodwill Ambassador. Sarah and her family, who appeared live on last year's Telethon, are returning to update us on Sarah's personal fight against spinal muscular atrophy and on the family's travels as representatives of our Association.

Telethon viewers will also meet other courageous families and individuals fighting neuromuscular diseases, ranging from a Las Vegas power executive with Lou Gehrig's disease to a police officer's young son affected by spinal muscular atrophy.

Another valid reason to watch our Telethon is laughter, a natural therapeutic agent that can benefit anyone. In addition to Jerry, the King of Comedy himself, this year's roster of comic talent includes such notables as Ray Romano, Kevin Meaney, Elayne Boosler, Wayne Brady and cast members from such popular shows as "Three Sisters."

An additional compelling argument for staying tuned will be a series of enlightening reports on MDA-funded research ranging from stem cells to DNA repair. To the families MDA serves, the researchers who'll be appearing to explain their work are the greatest stars of all, because their painstaking work is bringing us closer to elucidating the mysteries that underlie progressive neuromuscular diseases.

I could mention a raft of other reasons, including top-notch musical performances and appearances by dramatic performers ranging from "NYPD Blue" star Dennis Franz to beloved actress Angela Lansbury.

But the greatest single reason to watch is because we need you. We need you to contribute generously and help us win the fight against neuromuscular diseases.

And we need you to watch the show, and feel the courage and passion of the families we serve. Because our Telethon is largely about the concepts of family and community; and, simply stated, we need you to make our community complete. (If you're reading this after the Telethon airs, it's not too late to make your donation to MDA. Please do it now.)

With every best wish…

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