WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (ABC 4 News) - Every year ABC 4 is proud to bring The Jerry Lewis MDS Telethon to Utah. This year there were entertainers, comedians, and community volunteers raising money for research, along with support service provided for those in our state battling Muscular Dystrophy.
Besides the people in front of the cameras, there are several others who work behind the scenes. There are people who do not appear during the telethon who are there year after year lending their support.
The Jerry Lewis MDA telethon takes center stage every Labor Day on ABC 4, but behind the curtains, you will find the reason why ABC 4 is so proud to raise money for Jerry's Kids.
"MDA has been a big support of us for a lot of years and we have tried to participate and give back," says Chris Martin, an MDA volunteer.
Martin lost a son to MD in May. His family fought to save their son for more than two decades. They were joined in that battle by clinicians and researchers worldwide who use the money raised during the telethon to piece together the puzzle of what causes muscles to weaken and fail. When phones ring, hope remains.
Dakota Wiscomb, who suffers from MD says, "They can help me find a cure for my disease."
Joay Madill, who also suffers from MD says, "It brings hope that this big telethon raises money for Jerry's Kids and they know that we are out their supporting Jerry."
"This is like a family," says Chris Martin.
It's a family that plays together. Every year the money raised here sends Utah kids to summer camp.
Wiscomb says, "It's fun because it’s all of the other kids that you fit in with. You don't get picked on or teased."
Every year the volunteers touched by MD come to support ABC 4, so that we can support them. Every year there are some that will not see the cure we work so hard for.
"It just hurts when you see all of the people that I know pass away," says Joay.
But because of generous support every year, the MDA is closer than ever to ending early goodbyes.
The money raised in Utah stays in Utah for support services, such as the clinic at the University of Utah, research, and of course, summer camp. This year ABC 4 helped raise $532,098.
ABC 4 is very grateful along with the families of MDA for all of Utah’s generous support.
