ISSUE: Jerry Lewis MDA telethon

OUR VIEW: Even without Ed McMahon, comedian pushes on

The deaths of entertainment icons serve to remind Americans that times change but life goes on. They also make us appreciate all the more the roles of those who use their fame to help others.

High on that list is comedian Jerry Lewis. Again in 2009, but without a longtime associate, Lewis is the driving force behind raising millions of dollars to help the victims of muscular dystrophy.

Fire up the grills and the flat screen TVs and join Lewis for his 44th annual Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon Sept. 6-7.

“I’m determined to keep fighting for a cure for muscular dystrophy because my kids deserve to live long and healthy lives,” said Lewis, MDA’s national chairman and telethon star.

The annual extravaganza helps fund MDA research, services and education programs. In 2008, the show brought in a record-breaking $65 million in pledges and donations.

“The telethon gives us the chance to help put an end to these debilitating diseases, while entertaining and educating the American public,” Lewis said.

A variety of celebrity co-hosts will join Lewis onstage this year. But sadly, Lewis’ longtime friend and telethon co-host, Ed McMahon, won’t be there. McMahon died in June, leaving behind a legacy of 40 years of telethon appearances. A special video tribute to McMahon will be shown during the broadcast.

Co-hosting the show with Lewis will be television’s Jann Carl, “American Idol” favorite and star of “Grease” on Broadway Ace Young, and Allison Sweeney of the daytime drama “Days of Our Lives” and host of the reality series “The Biggest Loser.”

Tom Bergeron of “America’s Funniest Home Videos” and “Dancing with the Stars” also will be featured.

Nancy O’Dell of “Access Hollywood” returns as co-host and in her new role as MDA National ALS ambassador. O’Dell is raising awareness of MDA’s battle to find a cure for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease). She joined MDA’s fight against ALS after her mother died of the disease in 2008.

O’Dell, Carl, Sweeney and Bergeron serve as MDA national vice presidents, and Gilman and Young are MDA celebrity ambassadors.

The Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon will present great entertainment again this year, including Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Tony Orlando, Charo, Wynonna, Train, Bo Bice, Terry Fator, comedian George Wallace. Lee Greenwood, Joshua Bell accompanied by Frankie Moreno, Three Dog Night and many more.

A Labor Day icon that set the standard for telethons, the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon typically draws as many viewers as the Emmy’s, Oscars or Golden Globe Awards.

Almost 40 million TV viewers across America will tune in, while countless more around the world will watch on the Internet, thanks to streaming video provided by RealNetworks.

For the second year, an online auction will take place in conjunction with the telethon. The Telethon Online Auction, which runs from Sept. 1-15, includes a wide array of unusual and one-of-a-kind items, many provided by MDA sponsors and celebrity friends.

Tune in to the telethon in 2009. Like us, you’ll miss Ed McMahon. Assisting in Jerry Lewis’ effort would be an ideal way to say thanks to McMahon for a legacy of providing much-needed help to combat a terrible disease.

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