Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon Achieves $60.5 Million

TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Despite the effects of an
uncertain economy, contributions and pledges to the 44th annual Jerry Lewis
MDA Telethon over Labor Day nonetheless totaled $60,481,231 million.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090907/DC71542 )

MDA National Chairman and Telethon star Jerry Lewis said he was impressed by
the show of support from Telethon viewers even during hard times.

"These are very special people, and their money comes straight from the
heart," Lewis said. "Right now, the only thing I can think of to say, other
than thank you, thank you is, 'love conquers all.' So many people, everywhere,
even with cares of their own, dug deep to show their wonderful compassion for
others who need their help."

The funds will allow the Muscular Dystrophy Association to continue funding
worldwide research to find treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy and
related diseases.

Contributions also provide assistance with purchase of equipment such as
wheelchairs and leg braces; send thousands of children to MDA summer camp; and
support more than 200 MDA clinics across the country.

Last year's Telethon raised a record $65 million.

Lewis was surprised during the broadcast with the news that he'll be receiving
a special Trustees' Emmy award from the Academy of Television Arts and
Sciences in January for his work on behalf of MDA.

The legendary 21 1/2-hour event originated for the fourth year in a row from
the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas. It reached nearly 40 million
viewers by way of 180 television stations that comprise MDA's "Love Network."
People around the world saw the Telethon at www.mda.org via RealNetworks.

Co-hosts of the show included TV's Jann Carl; Nancy O'Dell, host of "Access
Hollywood;" and "Days of Our Lives" star and host of television's "Biggest
Loser" Alison Sweeney. Also co-hosting as well as performing were recording
artists Ace Young and Billy Gilman. Tom Bergeron of "Dancing with the Stars"
and "Funniest Home Videos" appeared in taped segments throughout the
broadcast.

Co-hosts conducted interviews with families who shared what it's like to live
every moment with diseases that progressively cause loss of muscle. Medical
researchers also appeared to describe the steady advances being made in the
fight against those diseases.

The entertainment line-up at this year's Telethon included Wynonna, Dolly
Parton, Tony Orlando, Reba McEntire, Bo Bice, Charo, Train, comedian George
Wallace, Lee Greenwood, Joshua Bell, Three Dog Night, Five for Fighting,
ventriloquist Terry Fator and many more.

The Telethon Online Auction, held in conjunction with the broadcast, continues
through Sept. 15 at www.mda.org/auctions. Headed by "General Hospital" star
Brandon Barash, it features hundreds of unique items.

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS
and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also
provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and
education.

SOURCE Muscular Dystrophy Association

Bob Mackle, Vice President - Public Relations, MDA, +1-520-529-5317,
+1-520-465-3076 - cell, bobmackle@mdausa.org