Telethon raises money for muscular diseases

A Labor Day spent answering phones instead of grilling burgers yielded big results for the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Twin Rivers Chapter, which services Southeast Missouri and parts of Illinois and Kentucky.

The 27th annual local Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, which aired Monday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., raised $606,354.

"It was the best telethon to date," said Jennifer Crouch, the program coordinator with MDA. "Our final figure last year was $500,070."

Crouch attributed the increased donations to more patient testimonials and volunteer participation this year.

Muscular dystrophy refers to a collection of muscular diseases that cause progressive muscular weakness and deterioration of the skeletal muscles that control movement.

The proceeds from the telethon and the Aug. 29 MDA Telethon Executive Lockup fund a yearly youth summer camp, a monthly MDA clinic, support groups and several medical expenses associated with the 43 types of muscular dystrophy.

"A power wheelchair can cost way over $20,000," Crouch said. People also need shower benches, batteries for the wheelchairs or special communications devices after MD renders people unable to speak.

"Those are extra bills on top of the daily bills you already have," she said.

The MDA Telethon Executive Lockup raised $93,327 -- $20,000 more than last year. Crouch said they doubled the number of "jailbirds," which added to the cause.

The Executive Lockup asks volunteers to be taken to the MDA chosen location where they are photographed behind bars and must raise money for "bail" -- all of which goes to MDA.

In addition to local assistance programs, the organization donates money to research. It has donated to research programs at both St. Louis University and Washington University in St. Louis.

charris@semissouiran.com

335-6611, extension 246