The annual Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association Labor Day Telethon raised just over $152,000 in Wyoming through its telecast on KTWO and other fundraising events across the state, according to Deb DeBonis, regional coordinator for MDA.

Most of the money raised over the weekend stays in Wyoming to help about 200 residents living with muscular dystrophy or some other neuromuscular disease, DeBonis said. It helps them pay for equipment, such as wheel chairs or leg braces, repairs for this equipment and summer camp fees for children with the disease.

A portion of the money does leave the state for research, she said.

"It's all to help folks in Wyoming," she said.

This year's total is slightly less than the nearly $156,000 Wyoming raised last year but still significantly higher than the $132,000 raised in 2006.

About 60 fire departments across the state added to donations through their annual fill-the-boot campaigns.

Firefighters from all five stations of Casper Fire-EMS spent time this weekend at busy intersections and Wal-Mart asking for donations for MDA, said Craig Kidder, spokesman for the department.

In three days, Casper firefighters raised about $12,400, he said.

"When I was little, I remember seeing firefighters collecting money for MDA during Labor Day weekend," Kidder said. "People expect us to be there."

He said the International Association of Fire Fighters teamed up with MDA many years ago. This year, the association donated $27.5 million to MDA, including Casper Fire-EMS's contribution of more than $12,000.

"We are very proud of our affiliation with the Muscular Dystrophy Association," Kidder said. "It's a disease that strikes kids. We are investing in our future when we invest in kids."

Casper's local telethon took place at the Parkway Plaza Hotel on Sunday and Monday and was hosted by television personalities from K2 Television. Sen. John Barrasso served as master of ceremonies last year but was unable to attend this year, DeBonis said.

Other local sponsors included Central Wyoming Neurology with Dr. Angelo Santiago, Union Wireless, Sam's Club and the International Union of Engineers, she said.

Nationwide, the telethon raised more than $65 million over the Labor Day weekend.

Contact health reporter Allison Rupp at (307) 266-0534 or allison.rupp@trib.com.