![]() Since its inception, MDA has evolved to include support and research for not only muscular dystrophy, but also ALS and related neuromuscular diseases. Over the next 34 years, the annual telethon was responsible for helping to raise over $2 billion for MDA. In 1971, the telethon was broadcast nationwide for the first time. In 1966, the first MDA Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon was so successful that Labor Day weekend was selected to be an annual tradition. Just six years later, the pair hosted the first MDA Telethon to raise money and awareness for the organization. After meeting with comedians Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, both agreed to help promote the charity’s message. Cohen also realized that, in order to get the word out about the charity, he would have to enlist the help of celebrities. Realizing that more awareness was needed to help fund research, Cohen assembled a group of like-minded individuals to form what would become the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The story of the MDA begins in June of 1950, thanks to a prominent New York City business leader, Paul Cohen, who was living with muscular dystrophy. Over the last 38 years, the MDA Shamrock program has helped raise more than $330 million for MDA, providing support to families affected by neuromuscular diseases. What began as a small fundraising effort at a local pub in 1983 has evolved into a nationwide event with over 20,000 business partners today. Through March 17, when our customers purchase a Shamrock from their neighborhood Chicagoland Jiffy Lube® location, they can be confident that 100% of their donation goes directly to MDA to help fund much needed research and send kids to MDA summer camp, where kids experience awesome adventures in an environment where barriers don’t exist. Springtime may evoke images of blooming flowers and sunny days, but for all of us at the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Jiffy Lube® Co-Op, springtime means it is time for our annual MDA Shamrock fundraiser!.
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