August 17, 2008

All.
It 's been a while since I have posted anything on this site.

I thought I would pass this along to all the members so if anyone was interested.

Dr. Leon Charash Pediatric neurologist and long time childhood friend of Jerry Lewis and Chairman of the MDA National Medical Advisory Board has finally called it Quits and RETIRED:

According to his wife Phyllis Charash who I had the pleasure of speaking with a few weeks ago when Dr. DeBakely died; has stated that Dr. Charash has given up his medical practice, closed his medical office forever and will No longer participate in the Telethon this year or ever again.
Dr. Charash has also given up being Chairman of the MDA National Medical Advisory Board as well.

One of the main highlights of the Telethon for me and the viewing audience was seeing Dr. Charash in the early hours around 6am to 7am on Monday Telethon Day giving his annual Report of Medical advancements and Progress MDA was making to find a cure for Neuromuscular Disease.

I will really miss this segment now, It won't be the same.

Dr. Charash is in his 80's.

I wish to Thank Dr. Charash for all his great, wonderful, and compassiate service to MDA for 55 years of Service:
I also want to say that Dr. Charash has done so much for the Children who have MD and for the older MD patients as well.

I wish to say it has been a honor and privilege to have known you for over 30 years and to have been a good close friend to you and your family:

PS. Thanks for Being JL's friend and Helper since you where 9years old together.

Dr. Charash started in 1953 when MDA was MDAA and was just a new organization of a group parents fighting to keep they're children alive : EMOTICHEERLEADER:

I wish him and his wife Phyllis a Great and Wonderful RETIREMENT! JOBE WELL DONE!
May the Lord our God Bless and Keep you Well! Happy Retirement!

YOUR FRIEND iN DYSTOPHY

MARGARET ANN GALASSO(Annie)

Well I guess that's good news for him anyway. He has to retire sometime. Of course his MD experience will be missed. I have pics in my room and him and Jerry together on the thon. Like you said, they've known each other over 70 years!

Wow, that is sad news. At least he can enjoy life now. But his experience will be sorely missed, I'm sure. He's probably already recorded his portions for the telethon this year. So we will most likely see him. I guess they will have to get a new doctor for next year.

Thank you FinderAssets for your post. I see you are a long time
member #19. I am a new poster to to the web site, but a very Old,
longtime JL fan.
Didn't find the need for the web site and posts because
I spoke with Joe D. all long for a few years now.....and saw his entire
room collection!!! Anyhow, thanks for that info. I must say I wasn't
aware of his 70 year association with this doctor. I know he will
be missed greatly to the MD cause, and a big loss for Jerry. I hope
the doctor and his wife are in good health to enjoy his retirement

Leon and Jerry went to school together in high school before JL got expelled.

Nice to work with someone you have such a great relationship with.

Long work - happy retirement I say - job well done!

Thank you Dr. Charash

What a legacy he left! His shoes will be hard to fill, if at all. He's another one who will be missed on the Telethon.

Thank you to another great humanitarian.