September 30, 2010
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) was created in 1950 and is a voluntary health agency - a dedicated partnership between scientists and concerned citizens aimed at conquering neuromuscular diseases that affect more than a million Americans. MDA combats neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and community services, and far-reaching professional and public health education. MDA has more than 200 offices across the country, sponsors 220 hospital-affiliated clinics and supports nearly 400 research projects around the world.
Since its earliest day, the Muscular Dystrophy Association has been energized by its #1 volunteer and national chairman, entertainer, Jerry Lewis. Jerry will be hosting this year's Telethon starting on September 5, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. and ending on September 6, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. The MDA and its Telethon depend on the solid support of a network of nearly 2 million volunteers nationwide. For more information on how to help MDA as a volunteer or sponsor, call (800) 572-1717. To learn about MDA online, visit MDA's website at www.mda.org.
In addition to the Telethon, the MDA sponsors 80 week-long summer camp sessions, serving more than 4,000 children across the country and in Puerto Rico. More than 5,200 volunteers give a week of their time to serve as MDA camp counselors. Also, MDA's equipment loan program provides help obtaining durable medical equipment of all types for patients of neuromuscular diseases.