TUCSON, Ariz. — Jayson Torres of Ridgewood, N.Y., will be featured in an inspiring profile on the newly formatted national broadcast of the Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon.

For the first time ever, the 46th annual MDA Labor Day Telethon will be shown entirely in prime time on a single evening, Sunday, Sept. 4. Broadcast from the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas, it will air from 6 p.m. to midnight in every time zone.

In the New York City area, the Telethon will be seen on WWOR-TV, Channel 9.

About Jayson Torres

Torres, 11, is affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a progressive neuromuscular disease that weakens muscles of the pelvis, upper arms and upper legs and eventually affects all voluntary muscles. He uses a manual wheelchair for mobility.

Jayson is a sixth-grader at the Henry Viscardi School in Albertson, N.Y., is a big fan of the New York Yankees, and wants to be a photographer and movie director.

Torres will be appearing on the Telethon with his parents Migdalia and Jose. "Everyone has their own superhero." said Jose, Jayson's father. "He is my hero."

About the MDA Labor Day Telethon

An outstanding lineup of top stars is set to appear on the Telethon this year, including Celine Dion, Lady Antebellum, Jennifer Lopez, Darius Rucker and Jordin Sparks. In addition to the entertainment, the Telethon also will feature profiles of individuals and families affected by neuromuscular diseases, important and groundbreaking research updates, and presentations by MDA’s national sponsors.

Co-hosting the six-hour broadcast will be Nigel Lythgoe (“American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance”), Nancy O’Dell (“Entertainment Tonight”), Alison Sweeney (“The Biggest Loser” and author of The Mommy Diet) and television producer Jann Carl.

Approximately 150 "Love Network" stations will carry the Telethon from coast to coast, and it will be seen around the world via live streaming at mda.org.

This year’s Telethon will feature special behind-the-scenes segments from the show on the Association’s website mda.org, and social sites Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. “Telethon Extras” will provide visitors with insight on living with a neuromuscular disease, information on current research, and interviews with celebrities, sponsors and MDA families from backstage during the Telethon.

About MDA

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.

MDA maintains clinics for area adults and children with muscle diseases in the New York Metropolitan area at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx; SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn; and NYU Elaine A. and Kenneth G. Langone Medical Center, Columbia University Medical Center and the Joan and Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York City.