MDA Telethon raises $557,567

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Despite concerns about a slow economy, the Labor Day MDA Telethon broadcast on WANE-TV raised $557,567 this year, more than last year's $542,000.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association counts on donations from the Labor Day Telethon to fund the worldwide research for cures and treatments as well as a clinic at Fort Wayne’s Lutheran Hospital, support groups, loan closets, repairs of durable medical equipment & Annual Summer Camp.

Local organizers say this year's telethon got off to a rocky start; pledges were not coming in as fast as last year.

"It started a little bit behind," said Ashley Stoneburner, executive director of the northeast Indiana chapter. "We were all kind of nervous."

Near the end of Monday's broadcast, the mood changed as organizers saw a jump in donations. Stoneburner says people give more when they hear how their dollars can impact people in need.

"People believe in it," said Stoneburner. "And they hear the stories. They can tune in and hear it. How we're impacting lives and making a difference."