After Jerry Lewis Telethons, A New Direction for MDA

Last year, the Muscle Dystrophy Association, or the MDA, discontinued production of the telethons made famous by comedian Jerry Lewis. But today, the organization is expanding their programs to reach out to a new generation.

"MDA has always been part of an American tradition, [combining] celebrities and philanthropy with telethons. But today we mark a new era as we put MDA families fighting muscular dystrophy and ALS at the center of our mission and we recommit our work to them," said CEO Steve Ford. 

The new ambassador for the organization is muscular atrophy survivor Joe Akmakjian. After being diagnosed at fifteen months old, doctors told Akmakjian's family he would not live after twelve years old. However, Akmakjian celebrated his twenty-fourth birthday by jumping out of a plane--skydiving that is. 

"I'm really thrilled to be representing families who model strength, defiance, as well as inspiring [everyone] in the world around us," said Akmakjian.

The MDA rolled out out plans to expand their Care Centers to include more resources for families, goals to increase membership to their summer camp programs, and a shiny new website for donations. 

"Our past is something we're really proud of. We are so grateful to Jerry and people who have gotten us to where we are at today," said Joe Akmakjian, "and now we're excited about the future. And part of that is reaching out to the younger generation of millenials who are going to be a new generation of supporters for this organization."