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The Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon is must-see TV watching during the Labor Day weekend, an end-of-summer tradition in the U.S. since it first began in New York City in 1954.

Now an entertainment extravaganza airing live from Las Vegas, the show features the much-loved actor and comedian Jerry Lewis hosting the money raising marathon, which helps to combat muscular dystrophy, a crippling disease which currently has no known cure.

2009 marks the 44th Annual Labor Day Telethon - with a bevy of stars and featured performances - lasting more than 21 hours beginning at 9PM ET on Sunday, September 6 and lasting through Monday afternoon on Labor Day, September 7, 2009. It will be broadcast on some 190 “Love Network” television stations across the country and viewed on the Internet via streaming video at www.mda.org.

Jerry Lewis Telethon Stars

The celebrity lineup has in recent years included such stars as Celine Dion, Kid Rock, Sugarland, Ludacris, and dozens more, including celebrity co-hosts Nancy O'Dell, Tom Bergeron

In 2009, watch for appearances by 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.

Nationwide, the telethon for "Jerry's Kids" usually creates an outpouring of support from a big-hearted American public who in 2008 helped raise a record $65 million in pledges & contributions for both service and research programs of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Will 2009 prove to be another record-breaking year for muscular dystrophy research and support? Stay tuned ...

Jerry Lewis Telethon TV Stations in Major Cities:

More about the Jerry Lewis Telethon around the Web:

MDA Telethon - The official site featuring photos and video highlights, facts on record-breaking fund raising years, a complete list of performers since 1966, information on how your pledges help combat muscular dystrophy, related FAQ.

The Telethon Years.com - Major Jerry Lewis fan site with a complete telethon history including photos, video highlights, fun facts, related links & resources.

Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon - Wikipedia - Extensive background and histoy behind the event including record donation totals, fun facts & trivia, and an extensive list of related references and resources.

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