The Joplin Globe
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They collect bucks in boots, wash cars, flip pancakes, sell baked goods and knock on doors.
They are the volunteers in our community who are taking care of “Jerry’s kids.”
On Monday, the fruits of these labors of love culminated to make the annual Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon a success.
The telethon, a national event held each year by Jerry Lewis, raises millions for MDA and its research into finding a cure for muscular dystrophy, a group of diseases that weaken the muscles. It also sends kids to weeklong summer camps.
On the local level we recognize KODE-TV and Cycle Connection. The local TV station broadcasts and plays host for the show, along with help from Cycle Connection owners Nancy and Scott Hutson and all their motorcycle-riding friends.
Area firefighters have made the annual telethon “their” cause for years and man boot blocks and phone lines to raise money.
But the heroes of the day are the kids. They are the stars of the telethon, and that’s the way everyone wants it to be.
Yet, no matter the dollars or the efforts, there still is no cure for MD. Until that happens, we can only offer our encouragement to all those who have worked so tirelessly on behalf of “Jerry’s kids.”