Columbia Presbyterian Health Sciences Council To Present Distinguished Service Award To Jerry Lewis
New York, NY – November 4, 2002 – The Columbia Presbyterian Health Sciences Advisory Council will present its semiannual Award for Distinguished Service to Jerry Lewis for his outstanding advocacy for finding a cure for muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular disorders. The Council will present the award to Mr. Lewis at a noon luncheon at the Clark Conference Center at 177 Fort Washington Ave.
Actor and comedian Jerry Lewis has been an icon of American entertainment since the 1940s. Millions of people around the world have grown up watching his antics on TV and in the movies, often with comedic partner the late Dean Martin. Having starred in movies such as the original “The Nutty Professor” and dozens of others that broke box office records, Mr. Lewis is the consummate American entertainer and one of the world’s most recognized people. After his partnership with Dean Martin ended in 1956, Mr. Lewis went on to record several records and albums and to produce, direct, and star in films for Columbia Pictures, 20th Century-Fox and United Artists.
That year marked a turning point in both Mr. Lewis’ entertainment career and his philanthropic work; it was the first year he hosted a television program to benefit the fledgling Muscular Dystrophy Association of America (MDA). Mr. Lewis’ name has since become synonymous with the Muscular Dystrophy telethons, which have raised an awe-inspiring $1.8 billion in pledges and contributions. The telethon benefits research for muscular dystrophy and more than 40 other neuromuscular disorders, such as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Televised every year on Labor Day weekend, the telethon runs for nearly a full day and raises much-needed funds for basic and applied research, a comprehensive program of medical and support services, and far-reaching professional and public education.
When not working in entertainment or for the telethon, Mr. Lewis is active with MDA staff and its national sponsors. Over the years, he has made hundreds of appearances on behalf of the MDA, traveling the country to speak to civic, fraternal, and youth groups, as well as the MDA Board of Directors. In February 2001, Mr. Lewis led a delegation of MDA scientists and clients to testify before a subcommittee of the U.S. Senate, resulting in the introduction of the MD-CARE Act (S. 805), a first step toward securing a dramatic boost in federal research funding for all forms of muscular dystrophy.
“It is our great pleasure to present this award to Mr. Lewis for his incredible devotion to finding a cure for muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular disorders,” said Dr. Gerald Fischbach, executive vice president for health and biomedical sciences and dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Columbia University. “His enduring and tireless work for the MDA and telethon are an inspiration to researchers, fund-raisers, and, of course, those who suffer from neuromuscular disorders or have loved ones who do.”
“Jerry Lewis’ long-standing support of research and fund-raising efforts to fight neuromuscular disorders has had a great impact on people’s personal struggles,” said Dr. Herbert Pardes, president and CEO of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. “It is vital to recognize efforts such as Jerry Lewis’, and we are honored to do so.”
This award isn’t the first time Mr. Lewis has been nominated for his dedication to raising money to help the fight against neuromuscular disorders. In 1977, he became the only entertainer to be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, and in 1982, France bestowed upon him the Legion of Honor.
The Columbia Presbyterian Health Sciences Advisory Council meets twice yearly, presenting the Award for Distinguished Service to individuals whose work has made a singular impact on society’s health and well-being. Formerly known as the Dean’s Award for Distinguished Service, the award has been given to Morton and Milly Kondracke, Mary Lasker, Rosalynn Carter, Tipper Gore, Anna Wintour, Dr. Michael DeBakey, Congressman Charles Rangel, Andrea Jung, Rob Reiner, and others, including New York City officials in the Giuliani administration for their work on Sept. 11.
MEDIA: RSVP required for the lunch and to cover the award ceremony. Call 212-305-3900 or 212-305-5587.
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