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The Wright Perspective℠
Social Commentary from the C-Suite to Main Street℠
A Blog by Gary Wright II
The last year Jerry Lewis will host MDA telethon
Monday, May 16th, 2011
After 45 years, this will be the last year that Jerry Lewis will host the annual Labor Day telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
I've said this many times, but I would not be alive if it weren't for MDA. I have a very rare myopathy (muscle disease) and I went to doctor after doctor, specialist after specialist, clinic after clinic, before the physicians at MDA and Emory University found the correct diagnosis. They literally saved my life!
I've always considered it an honor to be a Jerry's Kid and the impact that MDA has on the lives of these kids is immeasurable. The annual MDA summer camp is the highlight of the year for most of these kids.
Another important aspect of MDA is the research they are doing to understand and cure these horrible diseases. No research is being done in these areas, because the diseases are rare and they only make money off of the mass sale and distribution of pharmaceuticals. No big profit = no research.
With the bad economy, most charities are suffering with low funding and smaller donations. MDA is no exception. They have been forced to close many community clinics, layoff personnel, and discontinue some services in order to conserve money. Even the annual telethon will be shorter this year.
If I could be granted one wish - what would it be? I want MDA to make a big scientific breakthrough before Jerry passes away. He has been a tireless advocate for our children and deserves to see great progress made in his lifetime. Please give generously to the telethon and at MDA.org!
We love you Jerry Lewis! Thank you for all that you've done for MDA. Many people (like myself) wouldn't still be here without you!
Best regards,
-- Gary Wright II