LOCAL MDA TELETHON RAISES OVER $300,000

Brian Halter, 14, of Scott City is like most kids. He likes watching television, has friends he likes to play with and he says school is just OK.

What distinguishes Brian from most of his friends is that he was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when he was 3. The disease has confined him to a wheelchair for much of his life.

Muscular dystrophy is a genetic muscle disease that weakens skeletal muscles and also seriously affects movement and posture. But thanks to the Muscular Dystrophy Association and its annual national telethon, Brian can have as normal a life as possible.

Brian has been on the Jerry Lewis Telethon seven or eight times and says he likes being on television. Monday he was on television again at the Show Me Center encouraging people to call in and pledge.

Brian, along with other volunteers, collected $314,121 Monday from people in the Cape Girardeau and Marion, Ill., areas.

Nationally, Jerry Lewis' annual Labor Day telethon raised a record $49.1 million in pledges and contributions for the Muscular Dystrophy Association's battle against neuromuscular diseases.

Brian's father, Edward Halter of Poplar Bluff, estimates the MDA has spent nearly $40,000 on Brian overall.

The price of his wheelchair alone is $25,000. Add the price of the routine medical visits to St. Louis Brian must take to check his heart and his lungs and the $40,000 estimate is probably close.

Specifically, Brian has Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This is the most common type and most rapidly progressive of the childhood muscle diseases.

Larry Loos, president of the local chapter of the MDA, said Labor Day is the biggest day of the year for the organization.

Last year the telethon raised over $300,000, money used both to treat those with muscular dystrophy and to fund research that someday may lead to a cure.

This makes the eighth telethon for Loos.

"It's just a matter of giving something back to the community," he said. "You can see the good we're doing and that's what makes it all worthwhile."

In addition to treatment and research, the fund raiser helps pay for an annual summer camp for children with the disease.

Basketball was the big event at the Show Me Center Monday. Over $1,000 was raised by 22 teams that registered to participate in the tournament.

But the main way the organization raises money is through donations from citizens and businesses.

The Scott County Rural Fire District donated over $500 this year. The firefighters raised the money by having a boot drop. This entails setting up road blocks and asking those who stop for a donation.

"We're a community-based organization," said Randy Allen. "So we think it's appropriate that we work for the community. They give to us and we give a little back."

Delanie Tanchek, 19, of Cape Girardeau presented the MDA with a check for $476. The check was donated by Kidd's convenience store in Cape Girardeau. She said the employees sold stars for $1 and she was the one who sold the most.

"I really wanted to help out and make a difference, and MDA seemed like a great place to start," she said.

Thomas Steinhoff, 42, of Cape Girardeau volunteers more than money -- he gives his time and says that's especially rewarding.

He answers phones, stuffs envelopes and anything else he can do on behalf of people with muscular dystrophy.

"It's very unfortunate what they go through every day," said Steinhoff. "Helping out a little each year is the least I could do."

This is the first year to volunteer for Robert Dorris, 20, of Cape Girardeau.

"It's a great cause," Dorris said. "It's Labor Day and what's better to do than to help the kids who need help."

Doug Conyers, MDA program director, said muscular dystrophy is a problem that needs to be addressed constantly and not just once a year.

"Research costs $38 a minute and we're close to a cure," Conyers said. "That means this is a year-round job."

Those wishing to donate can call the local MDA office at (573) 335-4400.