Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon Raises Nearly $60.5 Million

First Published: September 8, 2009 9:26 AM EDT Credit: Getty Images

Caption Alison Sweeney, Nancy O’Dell and Jann Carl share a laugh with Jerry Lewis during the 44th annual Muscular Dystrophy Telethon at the South Point Hotel & Casino September 6, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Despite the tough economy, officials with the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon say contributions and pledges from this year’s Labor Day event totaled nearly $60.5 million.

Officials say the funds will allow the Muscular Dystrophy Association to continue funding worldwide research to find treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy and related diseases.

Lewis, the Tucson-based MDA’s national chairman, thanked the American people for their generosity Monday.

He says that even though the total was down from last year’s record $65 million, it was an amazing accomplishment considering the state of the nation’s economy.

The 44th annual telethon originated for the fourth consecutive year from the South Point Hotel, Casino&Spa in Las Vegas.

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