Twentieth Telethon

Jill Pantozzi | September 6th, 2010

Here it is folks. Twenty years of my life has come and gone since the first year I appeared on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. Back then, twenty years seemed like a really long time but it’s gone by in a flash. I thought for sure by now we’d not only have flying cars, but a cure for Muscular Dystrophy. Turns out we don’t have either but one is far more important to have and I think you know which.

The MDA Telethon kicked off in Las Vegas today and will continue through the night and into Labor Day. “Love Networks” throughout the country will be working hard as well as they go on air whenever Jerry and his crew take a break. Countless volunteers will sit by phones for hours waiting for your call and generous donation. I’ll be spending my time in New York City like I do every year, hoping we at least raise one more dollar.

I’m extra excited this year because I’ll be co-hosting an even larger part of the show on Monday after 3:00pm. We are all so very thankful for our lifetime supporters who give their time and money each and every year but it’s very important to get the youth involved as well. Along those lines I’ll be hosting a special “Rock Against Dystrophy” portion of the show to showcase several young individuals and their work to help MDA.

Not only that but I’ll be talking about the new ways to donate to MDA. For the texting crowd, it’s perfect, all you have to do is text “MDA” TO 20222 and a donation of $10 will be placed on your next phone bill. No call or credit card is required.

It’s a gorgeous weekend, which is always a bad sign for us because it means most people are outside enjoying their holiday but remember MDA’s new slogan for this year’s Telethon: Make a Muscle, Make a Difference. Before you turn that doorknob to walk outside, think about the person who doesn’t have the strength to make that simple move you make every day and make a donation.