September 10, 2003

ON TELETHON MAGIC AND THE STARS WHO HELP MAKE IT HAPPEN

The 38th annual MDA Jerry Lewis Telethon, which aired for 21½ hours Aug. 31-Sept. 1, was a smashing success, raising a record-breaking $60,505,234 in pledges and contributions to support MDA’s programs in research and health care services.

Jerry Lewis

Our Telethon star, MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis, who rose to the occasion like a champion despite severe health challenges, deserves the lion’s share of credit for the broadcast’s success. Whether he was singing, breaking into comic riffs, or sharing his thoughts and feelings with MDA National Goodwill Ambassador Mattie Stepanek (via satellite from Baltimore’s WNUV) and MDA National Task Force member Shelley Obrand, Jerry showed the depths of his talent and compassion as never before.

Jerry’s Telethon anchor, Ed McMahon, and his co-hosts, Jann Carl, Norm Crosby, Cynthia Garrett, Billy Gilman, George Gray, Leyna Nguyen and Bob Zany, exuded great energy and compassion in fulfilling their roles. Two of the beloved Muppet characters also joined in the co-hosting duties and added greatly to the excitement and fun.

MDA Board members Dr. Leon Charash, Dr. Rodney Howell and Dr. Stanley Appel delivered in-depth on-air reports on MDA’s scientific and medical advances, while MDA Scientific Advisory Committee member Dr. Jeffrey Chamberlain provided incisive research bulletins periodically throughout the broadcast. MDA Board member Chris Rosa, who has Becker muscular dystrophy, spoke about MDA’s role in enhancing dignity and opportunities for people with disabilities.

The Telethon presented a striking tapestry of people of various ages who are affected by neuromuscular diseases, ranging from adult musician Lateef Murdock to 4-year-old Morgan Fritz. (See my last Ross Report for more on these remarkable individuals.) These children and adults and members of their families showed qualities of nobility, courage and eloquence that were stirring to behold.

	Clay Aiken

And then there was the performing talent. An amazing roster of stars, ranging from Celine Dion to Cher to “American Idol” runner-up Clay Aiken, gave electrifying performances and also spoke from the heart about the need to support MDA’s fight against neuromuscular diseases. MDA Board member Maureen McGovern, known as “MDA’s diva,” delivered two of her superbly pristine vocal performances, and many other Telethon favorites and new faces were on hand as well.

Whether you love stand-up comedy, rock ‘n’ roll, magic, gospel, jazz, acrobatics, Broadway musicals or acclaimed pop singers like Jack Jones, Lorna Luft, Nancy Sinatra and Steve Lawrence, there was something to please everyone.

With the start of the new television season, many actors and personalities who are hard at work producing new episodes were unable to join Jerry on his Telethon stage but sent along special video messages from the sets of their shows for airing on Jerry’s national Telethon.

John Ritter, star of the ABC sitcom hit “Eight Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter,” sent a whimsical message outlining “Eight Simple Rules for Watching the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.” The talented comedic actor offered advice about keeping hydrated during the long broadcast, singing along with the musical numbers and making a pledge. Ritter, obviously an enthusiastic Jerry Lewis fan, also burst into an affectionate impersonation of MDA’s number-one volunteer.

Bonnie Hunt, who stars in her own successful ABC comedy, sent MDA a sensitive video message in which she talked about the importance of names like Erin, Shane, Morgan, Mattie, Steven, Lateef, Chris and Calvin. The names referred to the people with neuromuscular diseases who were being profiled during the broadcast, and Hunt’s moving words were accompanied by video images of these individuals.

Dr. Phil, host of a popular nationally syndicated talk show, introduced some remarks by Amanda Van Benthuysen, who has limb-girdle muscular dystrophy and who served for six years as MDA’s National Youth Chairperson. Van Benthuysen, who’s pursuing a career in television, is now a valued member of Dr. Phil’s staff.

Dr. Phil himself spoke about the value of MDA’s programs: “I’ve found out that MDA helps in many ways,” he said. “MDA funds research around the world looking for treatments and cures. MDA maintains clinics nationwide where people like Amanda can be seen by neuromuscular diseases specialists. And MDA provides other services like MDA summer camp for kids -- and support groups where families and caregivers can share information -- and express their feelings.”

In conclusion, Dr. Phil urged viewers to support MDA to help maximize opportunities for outstanding individuals like Amanda.

MDA National Vice President and Los Angeles Telethon co-host Casey Kasem offered words of tribute to Mike Beier, a New York stock trader who appeared on the Telethon last year in a segment that focused on Beier’s fight against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Since last year, Beier lost his life to the disease. So, tragically, did Asa Baber, celebrated “Men” columnist from Playboy magazine who also appeared on the 2002 broadcast. MDA Board member and Chicago Telethon co-host Bart Conner spoke on this year’s show about Asa’s courage -- and about the urgent need to defeat this killer disease.

We’re grateful to the many celebrities who share their talent and their impassioned words with our Telethon audience. Their ongoing support is helping immeasurably to advance MDA’s efforts to make life better for families and individuals served by our Association. And their presence is a treasured part of the Telethon experience for millions of loyal viewers.

With every best wish...

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