Muscular Dystrophy Canada to host the 44th Jerry Lewis Labour Day Telethon

September is Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month

Muscular Dystrophy Canada is hosting the 44th Annual Jerry Lewis Labour Day Telethon to support those living with a neuromuscular disorder.

Muscular Dystrophy volunteers in Ontario and Montreal will be on standby to receive calls from Sunday, September 6, at 9pm EST to Monday, September 7, at 6:30 pm EST.

Funds raised will support Muscular Dystrophy Canada's mission of helping Canadians with neuromuscular disorders live a fuller, more active and independent life. Through research, education and outreach, the non-profit organization supports friends, family and people living with neuromuscular disorders.

There are more than 100 neuromuscular disorders and it is estimated more than 50,000 Canadians are affected by one form or another. Each form is caused by an error in a specific gene related to muscle function. The symptoms of a neuromuscular disease vary according to the condition and may be mild, moderate or life-threatening. For some the disorder is fatal at a young age. For others it means a lifetime of muscle fatigue and greater dependence on others. It takes more than one person to provide care and assistance. No matter what the severity, entire families are affected.

Once again, Manulife Financial Corporation is returning as a sponsor. For the 9th year Manulife will provide one of their Toronto call centres as our national pledge centre.