Telethon History

Few television traditions in America are as popular as the annual Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.

The 21½-hour, star-studded variety show simultaneously entertains, informs and raises funds for MDA’s vital services and research programs.

First broadcast over Labor Day weekend in 1966 by a lone TV station in New York City, the unique event starring popular comedian Jerry Lewis quickly caught the public’s attention — and raised more than $1 million in pledges. Now, more than 40 years later, the show will be broadcast by more than 170 MDA “Love Network” stations, assisted by approximately 250,000 volunteers across the country. Nearly 40 million people will see the show.

In 1998, MDA's Telethon made history as the first telethon seen around the world via Internet simulcast.

The Telethon derives drama from the ever-increasing fundraising total posted on the “tote board” —  operated originally by hand in 1966, now electronically. Jerry’s goal of raising “one dollar more” than the previous year’s total has been more than met almost every year, thanks to the generosity and compassion of the American public. Last year’s total was $60.5 million.


Where Telethon Dollars Go

The Telethon is the single most important fundraising event of the year for MDA. Funds raised help the Association carry on its fight against muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases, including a worldwide program of basic and applied research, a nationwide network of comprehensive medical and support services, and extensive professional and public education.

Children and adults with muscle-damaging diseases benefit directly from dollars raised during the Telethon through such services as:

  • Specialized care at approximately 200 MDA clinics and 37 MDA/ALS centers;
  • free flu vaccinations;
  • assistance with locating and repairing all types of durable medical equipment, including wheelchairs, leg braces and communication devices;
  • support groups for individuals, family members and caregivers;
  • MDA summer camp sessions for thousands of children;
  • advocacy and community outreach; and
  • ongoing public education and up-to-date information.


Research Advances

This year, MDA has allocated almost $39 million for research, funding more than 330 projects worldwide. MDA-funded scientists are making progress in understanding disease mechanisms, as well as testing promising treatments.

In 2010, MDA-supported researchers have:

  • uncovered that facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) requires the presence of not one but two genetic changes on chromosome 4 before it causes its characteristic symptoms, paving the way for new therapeutic targets;

  • identified that a new generation of molecules can help cells permanently repair errors in the dystrophin gene, fixing the underlying cause of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and providing a “proof of concept” for gene repair as a therapy for DMD;
  • supported the development of Lumizyme, an enzyme manufactured by Genzyme Corp., now commercially available for the treatment of late-onset acid maltase deficiency (Pompe disease) in individuals ages 8 and older;
  • reported a new molecular strategy designed to transport the needed myotubularin enzyme (a type of protein) into muscle fibers in myotubularin-deficient mice and perhaps eventually in humans with X-linked myotubular (centronuclear) myopathy;
  • discovered that ALSTDI-00846, which interrupts one of the activities of the immune system, is beneficial in mice with an ALS-like disease, opening a new avenue of therapeutic investigation;
  • found that a loss of function of the PABPN1 protein likely is a contributing factor, along with the formation of potentially toxic protein clumps in muscle cells, in oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) — a finding that may lead to new therapeutic strategies;
  • reported "unprecedented" improvement in newborn SMA-affected research mice that received gene therapy via intravenous injection,in which the newborn mice demonstrated near-normal motor function (movement) and brain-to-muscle signaling, as well as a dramatic increase in survival.

Celebrity Support

MDA is blessed to have the support of a spectacular array of stars — entertainers, athletes, and leaders in business, government and civic affairs — who participate in the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon and other MDA activities.

Among those on the MDA Board of Directors are singer and Telethon favorite Maureen McGovern, and Olympic gold medalist Bart Conner, who also is a frequent Telethon co-host.

Other notables who help host the Telethon (and who also volunteer year-round as MDA national vice presidents) include: TV personalities Jann Carl and Nancy O'Dell; Alison Sweeney of “The Biggest Loser” and “Days of Our Lives;” sports great Nadia Comaneci; entertainer Tony Orlando; Brandon Barash of "General Hospital;" and “American Idol” favorite and Broadway star Ace Young.

Also, singer Billy Gilman and actor Booboo Stewart of the 2010 movie “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” serve as Celebrity Ambassadors for the Association.

And, of course, there’s MDA’s number-one volunteer for more than 50 years — Jerry Lewis. Despite battling debilitating illness, severe back pain and heart surgery in recent years, MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis has never missed a Telethon.


Corporate and Community Involvement

Many organizations and businesses support MDA through fundraising events year-round. From the high school marketing club DECA and the International Association of Fire Fighters, to such corporate friends as Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Lowe's Home Improvement, National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), ERA Real Estate and CITGO, representatives from MDA’s sponsors appear each year on the Telethon to present Jerry with their contributions.

Throughout the year, MDA depends on the solid support of an army of more than 2 million volunteers nationwide focused on MDA's overriding mission — the search for treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy.

For information on how to help MDA as a volunteer or sponsor, call (800) 572-1717. To learn about MDA online, visit www.mda.org.