Since 1966, the Muscular Dystrophy Association has aired 'The MDA Show of Strength' telethon, and along with being one of America's longest-standing fundraising events, it always showcases some of the hottest names in the entertainment industry. This year's 48th annual telethon is no exception, and includes country music's own Luke Bryan and Darius Rucker, along with many other fan favorites.

Rucker and Bryan have both participated in this special event before, and this year's crew of top-notch celebrities may be one of the best. It includes Lee Ann Womack, Kenny Loggins, Backstreet Boys, Austin Mahone, Paula Abdul, Enrique Iglesias and many others.

The two-hour, prime time broadcast is set to be a memorable event. The lineup will deliver one-of-a-kind show performances, joining celebrity presenters to engage viewers with powerful "stories of strength" and moving calls-to-action to help families affected by muscle diseases.

Past viewers of the special may remember the "stories of strength” which spotlight families affected by muscular dystrophy and lets them tell their stories. These are stories worth telling and worth hearing about, and the individuals who tell them certainly are the real stars on the broadcast. This year, six families will tell their stories of survival and hope.

"The MDA telethon is an American tradition, powered by celebrities, national sponsors and, most of all, generous individuals who watch and donate," said MDA President and CEO Steven M. Derks. "This year we'll tell a powerful story of the progress we're making and breaking developments underway in the fight against muscle disease. We want America to get a glimpse of the hope we have that new lifesaving treatments are on the horizon as told through the eyes of courageous people fighting various neuromuscular diseases," adding, "We think this year's show will be our best ever, truly a moving and entertaining two-hour experience."

Country music stars have been quite involved with the MDA 'Show of Strength,' as Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw and Bryan performed last year, and Martina McBride, Lady Antebellum and Rucker hit the stage in 2011.

The Labor Day Weekend event was first broadcast in 1966 with Jerry Lewis as its host through 2010, and will air this Sunday (Sept. 1) from 9-11PM ET on the ABC Television Network.

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