Comic legend Jerry Lewis joins friends and entertainers this weekend for his 42nd annual Labor Day Telethon to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The live show will air for 21 1/2 hours, beginning at 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2, and will be shown on some 190 “Love Network” stations. Check www.mda.org for stations and start times.

The broadcast raises funds for MDA’s programs of research and healthcare services for children and adults affected by one of more than 40 neuromuscular diseases in MDA’s program.

Lewis has spent the past year preparing to make the 2007 show the most successful ever.

“I’ll never wave the white flag in the fight against muscular dystrophy and other muscle-wasting diseases,” Lewis said. “Not only is the Telethon a chance to help put an end to these debilitating diseases, but it’s also a way to inform and educate the public, while having a darn good time.”

During the 2006 MDA Telethon, pledges and donations brought in a record $61 million.