2009 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The 2009 Jerry Lewis Telethon kicks-off Sunday September 6, 2009 at 9:00 p.m.

Watch the entire event through Monday September 7, 2009 (5:00 p.m.)

Volunteer!

Local 2009 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon event to raise funds for Jerry's Kids. We would be thrilled if you could volunteer your time helping behind the scenes during the two-day event. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Suzanne McIntosh at (505) 828-1331 or smcintosh@mdausa.org.

National MDA Information

For the first time ever, the Muscular Dystrophy Association will revamp the homepage on its official Web site ( www.mda.org) to be "all-Telethon, all the time" as the Official Web Site of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon during the month leading up to Labor Day weekend.

The redesign, which will run now through Sept. 7, features a Telethon-centric theme and offers site visitors the chance to get involved using interactive features that will change on a daily basis.

The revamped page will raise awareness and generate excitement for the 44th annual broadcast of America's favorite entertainment extravaganza.

"This is exciting," said MDA National Chairman and Telethon star Jerry Lewis. "The Telethon brings hope and help to so many individuals and families affected by muscular dystrophy. Now people who look forward to the show all year will be able to visit the Web site and really be a part of it for an entire month prior to the broadcast."   

Interactive features include Telethon Spotlight Profiles on such subjects as Telethon talent, MDA ambassadors, national sponsors and the Telethon Online Auction; photos and biographies of Telethon personalities; videos and Telethon Trivia games.

About the Telethon    

Broadcast live from the beautiful South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas, the 2009 Telethon begins at 9 p.m. EDT Sunday, Sept. 6. It will be carried by 180 "Love Network" stations in the United States and Canada, and also worldwide via RealNetworks streaming video on MDA's Web site.

New this year, social media followers, friends and subscribers of MDA’s Twitter, Facebook and YouTube sites will get a behind-the-scenes look at the show during the broadcast.

The Telethon will highlight MDA’s cutting-edge scientific research seeking cures and treatments for the more than 40 neuromuscular diseases in MDA's program. Also in the spotlight will be the Association’s healthcare programs, which provide support groups, accessible summer camps, help with obtaining and repairing expensive medical equipment, and more than 200 clinics, 35 of which are MDA/ALS centers, around the country.

In 2008, pledges and donations to the MDA Telethon brought in a record-breaking $65 million.

About MDA            

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.