Reimagining Our Telethon for Today’s World

Nonprofits will be a lifeline for helping our country heal and recover from the pandemic. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has decimated traditional fundraising for nonprofits — putting their very existence at stake. Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is no exception.

For 70 years, MDA has served as a central spoke for people living with neuromuscular diseases; translating research into treatments, connecting technology to care and bringing people closer to the independence they deserve. We were an influential voice in support of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and continue to advocate for accessibility at the federal and local level. But we recognize society has a long way to achieve true inclusivity. The disparities that have long faced the disability community have become even more apparent through the pandemic. We are 30 years post ADA, and critical gaps remain for equality.

This Saturday, MDA is hosting a reimagined Telethon event. The telethon is synonymous with our organization’s history, but the world today is a much different place than it was when the Telethon first aired. For younger generations, the very concept of a ‘telethon’ might be new.

First and foremost, we are putting the voices of our community at the forefront — highlighting the progress of the past decade and putting a spotlight on the achievements of our community.

This includes Ethan LyBrand, a budding comedian who has brought some needed humor to social distancing with his viral joke-a-day videos. Leah Zelaya, a teen fashion designer who has already invented accessible tools to help those with limited movement dress themselves. And Dr. Chris Rosa, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Inclusion for the City University of New York, who has for decades been a vocal champion for people living with neuromuscular disease. The reimagined Telethon celebrates their accomplishments and is a step forward on the long road toward equal representation and accessibility.

People with disabilities collectively make up the single largest minority group in the world. Despite its sheer size, diversity and vibrance, this community faces underrepresentation and discrimination in nearly every facet of society — in the workforce, in healthcare, in public policy and in media.

We can and must do better for this community. The Telethon, reflective of MDA today, prioritizes systemic changes, accessibility and equality for all people with disabilities. Fighting for their independence and the equality of the 300,000 other Americans living with neuromuscular disease is at the heart of our mission.

Today, MDA is a diverse, inclusive, tech-forward organization, and the Telethon will exemplify that. We’re grateful for an all-star lineup of influential voices — host Kevin Hart, Garcelle Beauvais, Aloe Blacc, Jack Black, Usain Bolt, Common, Don Cheadle, Bryan Cranston, Cindy Crawford, Whitney Cummings, Stephen Curry, Adam Devine, Fat Joe, Josh Gad, Liz Gillies, Aldis Hodge, Edwin Hodge, Michael B. Jordan, DJ Khaled, Zachary Levi, Kelly Rowland, Daniel Levy, Loni Love, Leslie Mann, Jillian Mercado, Robin Thicke, Gabrielle Union Wade, and John David Washington — who are lending their support to reach the widest possible audience. To make the event as accessible as possible we elected to livestream the event on LOL Networks, YouTube, Pluto TV, TikTok, Triller and Twitch. We’re even incorporating gaming elements.

Saturday’s Telethon event will shine a spotlight on the fight for accessibility, as we deliver research, care, advocacy and critical resources to the neuromuscular disease community through the pandemic and beyond.

Today, I ask you to join us. MDA’s work includes supporting a network of 150 highly specialized care centers at the nation’s top medical institutions where people receive medical care. We have funded nearly all neuromuscular research and treatment advancements to date. This research is shared freely worldwide. We also provide education and resources for the more than 300,000 individuals living with neuromuscular disease in the U.S. today. The funds raised through the Telethon will help ensure that these efforts continue, unabated.

Tune in Saturday evening for the Telethon and stay with us as we fight for true accessibility.

Learn more at MDA.org