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'MDA Show of Strength' returns to 5 On Your Side Labor Day weekend
More than 5,500 people in the St. Louis area are helped by the MDA each year.
ST. LOUIS — 5 On Your Side’s annual telethon benefitting the Muscular Dystrophy Association is back Labor Day weekend. Anchor Mike Bush will again host the “MDA Show of Strength” with co-hosts Anne Allred, Rene Knott, and Scott Connell at Grant’s Farm. This will be Bush’s 38th year hosting the telethon, which aims to raise money to help people living with neuromuscular diseases, for which there is currently no cure. More than 5,500 people in the St. Louis area are helped by the MDA each year.
“For 38 years, I've had the privilege of hosting the local MDA Telethon, and it continues to be a labor of love,” said Bush. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of St. Louisans, we've raised several million dollars to support people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS (a.k.a. Lou Gehrig’s disease), and related neuromuscular diseases. While organizing this event is always a challenge, the impact it has on our community makes every moment worthwhile.”
Bush is a longtime supporter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In 2022, he was recognized by the MDA for his three and a half decades of service. He was presented the MDA Tribute Award, which honors the legacy and life’s work of those who have been tireless in their efforts to support the patients and families served by the MDA.
Bush says the telethon is his biggest and most rewarding challenge of the year. He’s deeply involved in the planning process for the show, which is executive produced by Special Projects Director Sonya Potter.
"The progress we have witnessed over the past decade is nothing short of remarkable. Through Muscular Dystrophy Association’s innovative research program, we’ve propelled forward with more than 20 FDA-approved treatments, including the groundbreaking first-ever gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy,” said Sandra Sullivan, Vice President, Campaign Strategy, MDA. “In Missouri, we are proud to support three MDA Care Centers and one specialized MDA/ALS Care Center, offering critical multidisciplinary care for people living with neuromuscular disease. Our mission is to not only advance treatments but also to provide essential resources and advocacy, empowering families to live fuller, more independent lives. The ongoing support of the St. Louis community fuels our efforts, and together, we are making a real difference for the families we serve. We could not do this work without the incredible support of Mike Bush and the entire KSDK team. We are extremely grateful for their continued commitment to our mission.”
The telethon will air live Sunday, Sept. 1 from 8-10 p.m. It will also stream live on 5+ and be available for on-demand viewing on the station’s YouTube and 5+ streaming channels.
Last year’s telethon raised close to $300,000.
About Muscular Dystrophy Association
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is the #1 voluntary health organization in the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. For over 70 years, MDA has led the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating for the support of our families. MDA's mission is to empower the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives. To learn more visit mda.org and follow MDA on Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
About 5 On Your Side
5 On Your Side is the NBC affiliate in St. Louis, Missouri and has been a leader in local news, information, and community involvement for more than seven decades. 5 On Your Side is owned by TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA), an innovative media company that owns and operates 64 television stations in 51 markets. To learn more about 5 On Your Side, please visit KSDK.com.
