Please give what you can to fight MD this weekend.

[thatcrazycajun]

I fully realize that some of you -- hell, too damn many people I know, including my own partner singing_phoenix -- strongly disapprove. I don't care. I'm quite thoroughly sick and tired of having to apologize for wanting to help people in need...and for asking others to do likewise.

Tonight the Jerry Lewis Telethon begins its annual 21.5-hour televised drive to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Whether or not you approve of the way the show depicts people with MD, ALS, sickle cell anemia, or any of the other 37 neuromuscular diseases for which MDA provides patient care and services, research and treatments; whether or not you dislike the entertainment presented; whether or not you approve of Mr. Lewis' sometimes regrettable personal remarks and behavior outside of the show; the fact remains that the cause itself is worth supporting. Please consider tuning in if it's convenient for you at some point in the next day or so... and making a pledge. I've been a supporter of MDA and the Telethon since childhood, and I'm not stopping until these diseases are gone forever. Yes, cancer and AIDS and MS and all the others must be fought, and the Katrina/Rita recovery effort still needs help, but this fight matters too.

I'm pledging $20 and hereby challenge all other science fiction and fantasy fans to match or better it. I know not all of "Jerry's Kids" see themselves as being so (and I admit they do have some valid concerns)...but please don't deny the ones who want and need MDA's help just because you hate the messenger. Don't give 'til it hurts...give 'til it helps. Thank you.

Comments

[jhayman.livejournal.com]

I've been donating to MDA for my whole adult life. Done that already. And Lewis may be regrettable, but unless your life has been touched by MD, how much do you know about it? For me, a neighbour. Then my kids attending a school that liaison with the MD pre-school, and then when I went into nursing...

You probably would appreciate the reaction of one of a nurse on the long-term care unit (all _young_ adults with spinal cord or MS) when approached about sponsoring a child the MS Read-a-Thon. "No, I won't. If they get enough money for a cure, *I'll* be out of a job".

Aargh!

[shelleybear.livejournal.com]

Years ago, I read Sturgeon's "The Comedians Children".
Still if I had the spare funds, I would donate.

[patoadam]

I'd like to add that anyone who prefers to donate without having to watch a telethon can do so by going to http://www.mdausa.org and clicking on "DONATE NOW".

Postscript:

[thatcrazycajun.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the comments. And I got home in time to see the last hour of the show and learn that the Telethon collected a record $61 million-plus this year. Thanks to all who gave and here's hoping they don't have to do this much longer.