Award-Winning Recording Artist Returns To Co-Host Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon

Main Category: Muscular Dystrophy / ALS
Article Date: 29 Aug 2007 - 2:00 PST

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Award-winning recording artist Billy Gilman returns to the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon this year, as a celebrity co-host.

Gilman has served as National Youth Chairman for MDA for five years, encouraging thousands of teens and young adults to support MDA's lifesaving mission in behalf of a million people affected by neuromuscular diseases.

MDA National Chairman and Telethon star Jerry Lewis said he's gratified to have Gilman alongside him on stage again. "Billy is among the top performers who make our marathon 21½-hour show such a success," Lewis said. "He's a real dynamo, and it shows in the funds he's helped raise for MDA's medical research efforts and health care services."

Gilman said he's eagerly anticipating the traditional Labor Day event. "The Telethon is like a gigantic family gathering that stretches across the country," he said. "I'm really proud to be part of this fantastic effort to help kids and adults with muscle diseases."

Since he was 3 years old, Gilman's singing career has been distinguished by prestigious recognition. Guinness World Records lists him as the youngest performer to record a No. 1 country music hit. In 2005, one of his songs won Single of the Year at the New Music Weekly Awards. His philanthropic efforts earned him Teen magazine's award as one of 10 teens making a difference in the world.

Now in its 42nd year, the Telethon will originate from the new South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas. The live show begins at 9 p.m. ET, Sept. 2 and runs non-stop until 6:30 p.m. ET, Sept. 3. It will be broadcast nationally by 190 television stations, and worldwide via the Internet at http://www.mda.org.

MDA is a volunteer health agency working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education.

http://www.mda.org