To generations of Americans, Lewis was equally well known for helping to raise money for people suffering from the crippling neurological disease as he was for his work with Deam Martin and those knee-buckling pratfalls.
For 45 years, Lewis hosted the annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
The legendary jokester, who also served on the charity’s board, became so integral to the effort that children the group helped were nicknamed Jerry’s Kids.
“MDA would not be the organization it is today if it were not for Jerry’s tireless efforts on behalf of ‘his kids,’ ” charity Chairman R. Rodney Howell said in a statement. “Jerry’s love, passion and brilliance are woven throughout this organization, which he helped build from the ground up.”
During the 24-hour telethons, Americans tuned in to watch Lewis yuk it up withentertainment legends.
Lewis would spend 21 ¹/₂ hours straight pleading viewers to raise “just one more dollar” and concluded the show with his personal anthem, the ballad “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
The comedian gave hope to people suffering from the debilitating disease, according to CUNY Vice Chancellor Christopher Rosa, who has muscular dystrophy and works with the MDA.
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