Despite the struggling economy, officials with the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon say contributions and pledges from this weekend's 45th annual Labor Day event totaled $58.9 million.

"I'm heartened by the unique ability of Americans to help others in need, when they themselves are likely struggling financially," said Lewis, national chairman of MDA.

Through Lewis's telethons, more than 2.5 billion dollars has been raised to help fight neuro-muscular disease.

(READ the AP story via NPR)