Jerry Lewis will host the 40th Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon on Sunday night. The show raised $600,000 in 1955 and $60.5 million last year. The show holds a special place in my family's collective heart for a couple of reasons.

My mom and dad allowed us to stay up late on Telethon night to make sure the local station made their monetary goal. At some point during the night, mom allowed us to call in and make a $5 donation. Watching the barometer rise as the night faded away was very exciting and we felt good about helping out this worthy cause.

We had no idea that we would be so thankful for the MDA as we are today. My sister, Jackie, was diagnosed in November of 2004 with Dermatomyositis. This inflamatory myopathy is one of the 30+ diseases under the MDA umbrella. My sister's neck and limb muscles feel weak. She often deals with muscle pain and swelling. And rashes affect her cheeks, eyelids, neck, chest and limbs. We are incredibly grateful for the money raised by the telethon because it goes to centers like The Vicki Appel MDA Neuromuscular Clinic where Jackie is helped.

Jerry's goal each year is to raise "one dollar more" than the previous year's amount. Won't you help Jerry reach the goal and help those who suffer from muscular dystrophy? If you don't call in your donation you can always donate online.