An SMU senior shares the spotlight with celebrities and fellow muscular dystrophy patients this weekend in the Jerry Lewis Labor Day telethon to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). This is the 36th year for the telethon, the nation’s largest fundraiser for muscular dystrophy research and patient support.
Senior Jennifer Wells is one of those served by MDA and will be making an appearance on the local segment of the telethon live from Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie.
“One of the best sources of help has been MDA,” Wells said. “I look forward to sharing my story with this year’s viewers and to ask for their help, not just for my family but for all families facing a similar situation.”
For the past 14 years, Wells has attended MDA summer camp, including this year at Camp John Marc in Meridian, Texas. Wells’ camp experience is also featured as part of Mike Snyder’s MDA series on NBC 5 this week.
The national portion of the show will be hosted by MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis, with Ed McMahon, Jann Carl, Cynthia Garrett and Norm Crosby serving as co-hosts. Local portions of the telethon will be emceed by NBC 5 station personalities Mike Snyder, Scott Murray and Brenda Teele-Jackson.
The show has become an American tradition and has aired in Dallas for the past 30 years.
“The show is unique in television broadcasting not only because of its long running history, but more importantly because of the public awareness, the funds it raises and its tremendous impact on our community,” Tom O’Brien, NBC 5 president and general manager, said. NBC 5 has broadcast the telethon since it began.
Last year’s telethon talent included Casey Casem, Alan Jackson, Charro, Wayne Brady, Kermit the Frog and Ray Romano. This year’s show, originating from CBS Studio City in California, will feature segments from New York, Chicago and Branson, Mo.
Marie Collins, the MDA regional director, believes the telethon serves a purpose greater than entertainment over the holiday weekend.
“The telethon is an excellent avenue of communication for us with the public,” Collins said. “It allows us to inform viewers of the most recent research advancements, enhance general awareness of diseases covered by MDA, encourage support through telephoned pledges, as well as recognize the outstanding support of numerous sponsors.”
The Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon to benefit the Musuclar Dystrophy Association has been scheduled for broadcast on NBC 5, KXAS-TV on Sept. 1 and 2.
Albertson’s, 7UP and the Dallas International Association of Fire Fighters are just a few of the corporate sponsors supporting the program. The Association conducts fundraising activities year-round. All funds received help MDA support extensive medical research, clinic services, support groups, orthopedic equipment, MDA summer camps and many other forms of assistance to affected families.
