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Jerry Lewis out as MDA National Chairman
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Jerry Lewis, the 85-year-old comedian who has become synonymous with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, was dropped Thursday (August 4) as the organization's national chairman. Additionally Lewis will not be appear at the fundraiser's annual broadcast this Labor Day weekend.In May, the MDA announced Lewis would make his final telethon appearance during the September 4 broadcast. But the non-profit has since changed course. MDA's chairman of the board R. Rodney Howell said in a statement that Lewis has been "released" from his involvement with the organization.
Lewis' publicist Candi Cazau said the comedian had "no comment." However Lewis' remarks at the recent Television Critics Association meeting may have foreshadowed the declining relationship between Lewis and the MDA.
During a Q&A session with reporters, Lewis was asked what if he would explain his role with the upcoming telethon. After a brief exchange, Lewis curtly said, "No ... Because it's none of your business." He then added the day after the telethon he would have a press conference and flatly stated, "I will have plenty to say about what I think is important."
Jerry Lewis' money raising efforts for MDA began in 1952. Since the "Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon" began in 1966, he has helped raise $2.6 billion for the cause. His involvement even earned him a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977.
Lewis, who has suffered from a series of ailments in recent years including multiple heart attacks, pulmonary fibrosis, prostate cancer and diabetes, will be replaced as telethon host by Jan Carl, Nigel Lythgoe, Nancy O'Dell and Allison Sweeney.
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This is not fair. Jerry has done a lot of work. He was there for MDA when no one else would take the time. Iam sorry, I know this is a good cause but I will not be donating this year. This decision makes me question this organazation. This was truly important to Jerry and I cant believe they could do this to him. He was even there during his illnesses. SO SAD!
Perhaps it's time for a new organization to support Jerry's Kids that dumps the current pathetic MDA leadership
I think that whatever lead to this terrible decision to let Jerry Lewis go before he had a chance to summarize his true feelings about the past 40 some years to America,will greatly affect what was actually build for MDA during that time!
No grand send off/thank you to a man who never missed a telethon even during his own dark moments???? I too am greatly upset that this is the thanks MDA is giving to Jerry Lewis. I too question MDA's madness! I will donate in other ways from here on out! I won't be supporting the MDA telethon anymore!
I'm very sad Jerry won't be on anymore. I always had this vision, the day he left, was the day he announced they found a cure. I won't be watching anymore. It's not the same with him not at the helm.
We all love you Jerry!
I have been supporting the MDA telethon for more than 25 years, but if what I hear is true, and that Jerry is indeed being dropped by the MDA, then I will have to seriously reconsider donating to a cause that I have always been dedicated to supporting and watching. The telethon will never be the same without Jerry, no matter how they try to spruce it up with glitz and glamor. Jerry dedicated his life to the MDA and to be dumped like that makes me very angry.
Hope they don't replace him on the Telethon with Ryan Seacrest.
I don't know all the facts as to why this is happening but the only reason I watched the telethon was because Jerry Lewis was on there. It never will be the same without him. I probably won't even watch from now on.
im glad he is gone could not wait to see that happen the mda dose not help your children ask for there annual report see exactly where that money goes i had 2 children a brother and 2 uncles die from muscular dystrophy and try to get answers from these eople were a joke i have news paper articles about my children and the promises they made on tv then retracted the statement days later some were terminated because of the statements i have challenged lewis to a debate on tv many times i asked all news stations and certain parties on cnn also but the answer i was given was "it was a sore subject" and why because i have studied there practices and false statements since 1965 i would not give a penny to this organization you people belive what you want but if you have not been through there hog wash dont think he is so great because he is not dont ever call looking for answers to questions because if you get to far into questions they will hang up on you with no hesitation its a joke and there will never be a cure even to the end of eternity never will you see one i would check more into there promises and where the money goes before you give suprising results when you ask for the annual report and you may have a hard time getting that they dont like to give it out i had to contact the attorney generals office for it lets here from the MDA where dose the money really go? better yet lewis spill your guts now and tell us seeing you got the boot and have no reason to hide any more behind your false hopes and promises
I know three people with muscular dystrophy. They all love and have much respect for Jerry Lewis. They are all either in their teens or twentys. All have gotten to expeience MDA camp and loved it. I think what he has done all these years is amazing. To spend so much of your life being dedicated to a cause that cares so much about others. The young girl I know actually went to college and because of MDA had her electric wheel chair to get around. I feel what happened to him is so devastating. He has given so much without any resspect from the organazation. Maybe the person that needs to leave is the one thats made this decision. I have heard many upset people. I think who ever made this decision DID NOT HAVE JERRYS KIDS IN MIND. I hope they realize they just made a bad choice. I think when the final number is read, they wont recieve as many donations as in the past. I no longer trust a group that would make this type of decision. So unfortunately my donation this yeear will be going elsewhere. I have given for 30 years or more. Jerry really knew how to affect my heart. I have a daughter that raised over 1000.00 last year and she has chosen not to do so this year. Family that normally gives is also saying that they arent sure they will donate this year. Jerry, you are loved and appreciated by many! Thank you for giving so much of yourself all these years!