Please donate to the MDA telethon

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009

It's time again for the annual Muscular Dystrophy Telethon and my plea for support.

Today I received a letter from Gerald Weinberg, the President & CEO of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA.org) which reported:
Extreme cost cutting measures had already been implemented, yet last year MDA had a shortfall of nearly $25 million. Fundraising to date is $2.3 million short compared to last year. 120 staff members were laid-off and 18 offices were eliminated.

We all know that health care is expensive - but have you ever priced a wheelchair? I'm not talking about the nursing home kind of wheelchair (which is expensive), but a sturdy chair for a child who wants to explore the world. A good wheelchair can cost over $50,000 depending upon the needs of the child. For transportation with the chair, the family needs a van which is $40,000. The van requires a wheelchair lift, which is another $10,000. That adds up to $100,000 just to meet the basic need of transportation.

The services provided by MDA are vital to many desperate families with sick children. MDA is the only organization who researches the rare muscular diseases, and I am certain that one day soon they will find a cure for these horribly crippling medical conditions.

I know that most people are struggling to take care of their own families, but if you are able to give, please support MDA!

Thank you,

-- Gary Wright II
(A Jerry's Kid)

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