A slowing economy might mean people are spending less in some parts of the country, but the Muscular Dystrophy Association saw a jump in its donations during the 36th annual Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon Monday.

The telethon raised $381,902 from pledges and donations throughout Southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois and parts of Kentucky. That amount exceeded the $362,175 raised last year by almost $20,000.

Nationally, the telethon raised $56.8 million, up almost $4 million from last year's event.

The annual telethon aired locally on KFVS 12 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with broadcast sites at Lowe's Garden Center in Cape Girardeau and locations in Carbondale, Ill., and Paducah, Ky.

During the course of the day, pledges were phoned in, donations delivered and checks presented to television anchors and MDA representatives.

"We always try to do better than last year by $1," said Ken Lucy, the regional district director for MDA.

The slowing economy hasn't had any effect on the donations received at the MDA; in fact, many of the donations from local civic groups have increased, he said.

At Thursday's MDA Lock Up, $30,000 was collected, which was $12,000 more than the total raised for the same event in 2000. Firefighters from around the region helped raise funds through a "fill the boot" campaign.

Went to MDA for help

But Matt Winchester came to the telethon Monday for two good reasons: to turn in his fund-raising pledges and to tell television viewers about his experience with the MDA.

The 12-year-old from Gideon, Mo., helped raise more than $2,200 in pledges for the charitable organization. Seated in a motorized wheelchair, Winchester told television anchors about his experiences at the MDA summer camp and how MDA has helped him with services and medical needs.

Winchester suffers from Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy, a condition that weakens the muscles in the body and progresses slowly. It is diagnosed in children between ages 2 and 6.

Winchester was about 2 when his parents first noticed problems, said his father, Tim Winchester. "He had problems getting up off the floor."

A doctor in Memphis, Tenn., made the diagnosis and sent the family to their local MDA for help. The MDA is a health agency, funded primarily through donations, that offers research, assistance and educational programs about neuromuscular diseases.

"The MDA has been good to us," Tim Winchester said. The MDA helped pay expenses for Matt's new wheelchair -- his second in about three years. "It would have been more than we could afford," Tim Winchester said.

But the MDA has been there to help, and wouldn't be able to without donations. The telethon showcases the donations made throughout the year from lock-ups, golf tournaments and selling shamrocks.

Ken Jackson, MDA district director for Cape Girardeau, said the telethon gives MDA a chance to express its appreciation.

"It's a chance to thank everybody, whether they raised $500 or $5,000," he said. "Without their help we wouldn't be where we are."

Donations can still be made to MDA by contacting the office by phone at 335-4400 or writing MDA, 905 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701.

ljohnston@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126