Dear Editor:
Once again, I'm amazed by the generosity and caring spirit of our nation. This past Labor Day weekend, the MDA Telethon raised a record total of $6O,505,234 in contributions and pledges. Outstanding!
On behalf of the families served by the MDA, I'd like to extend an enormous thank-you to the people of Pittsburgh for helping make this possible. I'd also like to thank American Bottling, Harley Davidson, the International Association of Fire Fighters, Edward Kabala, Pitt-Ohio Express, Rite Aid, Shop 'n Save, Smith Barney and the Tall Cedars for their loyal support. We appreciate your support, not only on Labor Day weekend, but also the donations you give year-round through MDA programs like Shamrocks Against Dystrophy, Lock-Ups, fire fighters' Fill-the-Boot drives and more.
As the emcees and families told you on the Telethon broadcast on WPXI-11, your dollars ensure that MDA can continue to provide life-enhancing services for adults and children with neuromuscular diseases in your community. That includes health care at hospital-affiliated MDA clinics, support groups, MDA summer camps, and assistance in buying equipment like wheelchairs and leg braces. You're also helping researchers make astonishing scientific advances and get closer every day to treatments and cures.
If you'd like more information about MDA or any of our programs, contact your local MDA office at 412-823-3094, call our national headquarters at 800-572-1717 or visit our Web site at www.mdausa.org.
Thanks again Pittsburgh, you're the greatest!
Jerry Lewis
National Chairman
Muscular Dystrophy Association
Pittsburgh
