MDA Telethon
Reported by: Catherine Cambra - WMBD/WYZZ TV
Friday, Aug 24, 2007 @04:40pm CST



WMBD/WYZZ TV – PEORIA -- The annual Jerry Lewis Telethon is fast-approaching. It's an event that raises money to help those who suffer from neuromuscular diseases. Shirl Stufflebeam, a woman from East Peoria who benefits from the Muscular Dystrophy Association, says even though she suffers from Lou Gehrig’s disease, or ALS, she’s still able to communicate with a speech machine thanks to money raised from the telethon. She was diagnosed last year and says, “Without the machine, I could not express myself and would feel helpless.”

Lou Gehrig's disease has robbed Stufflebeam of bodily control, though her mind is very much intact. The women in her family tag-team around the clock to tend to her needs. She says, “My family gives me support taking me to appointments, support group and are so loving to me.”

Her monthly support group is sponsored by MDA, as is a medical clinic she attends every three months. Her daughter-in-law Michelle Smith says, “She sees a neurologist, speech therapist, physical therapist, dietician, and a mobility specialist. It’s definitely helped with the quality of life. It's very hard to be independent with this disease and it's definitely helped give her things to keep her independence longer.”

Shirl may not be able to hold her head up, but her spirits are still high as she fights this disease. Smith says, “She's been really positive and one of the things people notice the most about her is how much she smiles.”

Stufflebeam says, “With the help of my family and help of MDA, I keep on smiling.”

The Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon will air Labor Day weekend on WMBD-TV.